Senator Abass demands action on deteriorating ECDE centres in Wajir County

Parliament Building
Thursday, 29th May 2025

Senator Abass Sheikh of Wajir has called on the Senate Education Committee to investigate the deteriorating state of ECDE centres in Wajir County. Raising to seek a statement on the Floor of the House, he raised concerns over children learning under trees and in overcrowded makeshift classrooms.

“Many learners in Wajir are still forced to learn under trees or in overcrowded makeshift structures,” Senator Abass said. “Every child has a right to free, compulsory basic education, including early childhood education.”

He urged the committee to provide data on the number of ECDE centres in Wajir, including how many have permanent buildings, how many operate in temporary setups, and how many function in the open air. He also asked for figures showing how many centres have Pre-Primary 1 and 2 learners sharing classrooms and teachers.

The Senator questioned the qualifications and numbers of ECDE staff and the pupil-to-teacher ratios. He also raised concerns over stalled school feeding programmes, despite funds being allocated.

Senator Abass asked the Senator Betty Montet-led committee to press the County Government for urgent action on overcrowding, sanitation, clean water supply, and permanent structures, saying these are basic needs that cannot be ignored.