Friday, 25 April, 2025
Senate Education Committee undertakes fact- finding mission on ECDE and VTCs in Coastal Counties
COASTAL REGION, KENYA - APRIL 22-24, 2025
The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Nominated Senator Betty Montet, has concluded a comprehensive fact-finding mission across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi. The three-day tour aimed to assess the implementation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the region.
The delegation began its tour in Mombasa County with a courtesy call on Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir. Accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training, Dr. Mbwarali Kame, the Governor briefed the Committee on budget allocations and the infrastructural challenges facing ECDE and VTC institutions.
During site visits to ECDE centres at Chaani Junior Secondary and Kadzandani Junior School, the Committee identified key concerns, including pending construction bills, lack of play areas, staffing shortages, and curriculum inconsistencies. Nevertheless, the Kadzandani ECDE Centre was commended for its design.
"This centre is very beautiful and very spacious compared to other centres," remarked Senator Nderitu. Senator Prof. Kamar echoed the praise, adding, "For space, you are the winners."
Senator Montet underscored the need for a unified approach to teacher training. “It is clear from our observations that we need to invest in a Training of Teachers Centre at the national level to standardize ECDE delivery across counties,” she stated.
In Kwale County, the Committee was received by Governor Fatima Achani, who presented an in-depth overview of ECDE and VTC investments. Currently, Kwale supports over 51,000 ECDE pupils, with the cost of a model centre estimated at Ksh. 8.5 million.
Since 2013, the county has built 545 ECDE centres, 403 of which are fully equipped. However, 192 centres remain underdeveloped, requiring approximately Ksh. 1.6 billion to meet modern standards.
The Committee was also briefed on staffing. Kwale employs 917 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, translating to a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:55. The county aims to hire 2,419 teachers to achieve the optimal ratio, necessitating an annual investment of Ksh. 1.44 billion.
Kwale’s dedication to vocational training was also evident, with Ksh. 324 million allocated for development, equipment, and recurrent expenditure in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The county has introduced measures such as bursaries, provision of tools, gender mainstreaming, and community outreach to improve access.
Senator Montet praised Governor Achani’s leadership: “I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate H.E. the Governor for the good work she has done and continues to do for Kwale. She has indeed placed women leaders at the pinnacle of this Republic.”
The Committee's visit included inspections of the JEZA B ECDE Centre and Matunga Vocational Training Centre. Key takeaways included challenges such as limited resources and low public participation, alongside best practices like permanent staff employment, strategic partnerships, and digital integration in training.
In Kilifi County, the Committee was hosted by Governor Gideon Mung'aro and Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule. The Governor briefed lawmakers on ECDE enrolment, infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and budget allocations.
Kilifi currently serves 58,327 ECDE learners with 1,261 teachers—exceeding the recommended teacher-pupil ratio of 1:25. Although 860 classrooms have been constructed since 2013, the county still requires an additional 1,084 to meet policy standards.
“Your Excellency, I congratulate you for increasing the budget provision for ECDE centres; however, there is still room for improvement,” said Senator Methu. He added, “Other governors need to borrow from H.E. of Kilifi on the payment of ECDE teachers.”
Senator Mwaruma commended the county’s staffing strategy: “Kilifi County is doing very well in the employment of teachers under permanent and pensionable terms.”
Governor Mung'aro highlighted ongoing partnerships, saying, “We are working very closely with many partners who are helping us on infrastructure and IT equipment for both ECDE and VTCs.” He added, “Most of the projects that we are dealing with currently are the abandoned and stalled ones.”
While the ECDE budget has grown significantly—reaching Ksh. 538 million for FY 2024/2025—funding for VTCs remains comparatively low. “However, we have noted that the budget allocation towards VTCs is quite low and non-satisfactory,” observed Senator Nderitu.
Senator Prof. Kamar urged the county to maintain its momentum: “I want to encourage you H.E. and your team to grow your human resource capability and skills development in this county, which in turn will leave a great legacy.”
Following an inspection of Tezo Pre-School, the Committee expressed satisfaction with its modern design. “After our very interactive sessions, you are placed better to make immeasurable improvements in the education sector in Kilifi County,” concluded Senator Montet.
The findings from the visit will inform future legislative and policy frameworks to enhance the quality and reach of ECDE and VTC programs nationwide.
Other Members present for the Coastal tour were Vice Chair Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, Sen. Catherine Mumma, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Kinyua Nderitu, Sen. John Methu, Sen. Seki Lenku and Sen. Faki Mohammed as a friend to the Committee.