Thursday, 22 May, 2025
Senate Education committee probes ECDE and Vocational Training in Nakuru and Nyamira CountyParliament BuildingTuesday 20th May, 2025The Senate Standing Committee on Education, Chaired by Nominated Senator Betty Montet, held oversight engagements with Nakuru and Nyamira County Governments to assess progress and challenges in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).Accompanied by Vice Chair Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar and members Senator Nderitu Kinyua, Senator Johnes Mwaruma, Senator Seki Lenku, Senator John Methu and Senator Catherine Mumma, the Committee scrutinized staffing, infrastructure, funding, and policy implementation in both counties. Senator Veronica Maina, Senator James Murango and Senator Mogeni Okongo joined the session as friends of the Committee.ECDE Staffing Disparities and Budget GapsIn Nakuru County, Governor Susan Kihika, represented by her Education CECM, reported that 715 ECDE teachers are employed on permanent and pensionable terms, while 578 remain on contract. This disparity drew concern from the Committee.“Nakuru is doing well in terms of numbers,” observed Senator Betty Montet, "but I am concerned that you're still having contract ECDE teachers despite doing the same job as permanent ones.”In Nyamira, Governor Amos Nyaribo, represented by CECM Education, Emily Ongaga, reported 897 ECDE teachers, most of whom are under contract. Citing the SRC’s 2024 Circular, Senator Catherine Mumma pressed, "You are subject to employment laws and therefore the Circular needs to be implemented.”Senator Prof. Kamar, flagged a worrying trend in funding: “It is worrying that the budget allocation under ECDE is reducing.” In Nyamira, ECDE development funding dropped sharply from Ksh. 61 million in FY 2022/2023 to Ksh. 14 million in FY 2024/2025. Senator John Methu, questioned the County’s priorities: "I also note that your ECDE budget is decreasing every year and I need an explanation as to why this is happening.”Feeding Programs: Nakuru Leads, Nyamira Plans RolloutNakuru has implemented a school feeding program benefiting over 65,000 learners. Senator Nderitu Kinyua inquired, “Could you expound on the feeding program and are the children being fed daily?”H.E Governor Kihika advised the Committee that infact the county has Budgeted Kes 200Mn in the school feeding program of which Members were greatly impressed by this progression.In contrast, Nyamira plans to begin its feeding program in FY 2025/2026, budgeting Ksh. 12.5 million annually. "We are set to begin within a month and we've budgeted approximately Ksh. 12.5 per child per day,” confirmed CEC Ongaga.Vocational Training: Enrollment Concerns in NyamiraNakuru has 39 operational Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) serving over 7,500 students, with Ksh. 280 million disbursed through the Kenya Kwanza government. Training includes fashion design, mechanical, and electrical skills.In contrast, Nyamira’s 43 VTCs have just 1,949 enrolled trainees. Senator Prof. Kamar expressed concern: “There is more than 70% of learners not being accounted for. It is good to consider this lively young group to gain and develop their skills so as to benefit the community at large".Partnerships and SanitationNyamira has partnered with EIDU, Rockefeller Foundation and Child Fund Kenya to support digital learning and school meals policy in ECDE. Responding to Senator Mumma’s call for better sanitation facilities, CEC Ongaga assured: "We have taken note and are planning to invest and implement the same.”The Committee reaffirmed its oversight role in ensuring counties meet national education standards. Senator Johnes Mwaruma, Senator Seki Lenku, Senator Veronica Maina and Senator James Murango emphasized the need for counties to align education spending with the real needs of children and youth."We commend efforts but urge both counties to act on gaps in staffing, funding, and infrastructure,” concluded Chairperson Senator Betty Montet.