Senator Githuku demands enhanced ECDE and TVET reforms

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟔 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Rising on the floor of the Senate to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education, Lamu County Senator Joseph Githuku demanded a detailed account of the status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Lamu County. 

“The future of our children hinges on the quality of education they receive today,” Githuku stated. “I am seeking a comprehensive update on ECDE enrolment rates in Lamu County and the estimated costs required to provide adequate infrastructure and learning materials from the 2022/2023 financial year to date.”

The Senator also highlighted concerns over budgetary allocations. “We must understand how funds have been allocated and spent, particularly for ECDE programmes, County Vocational Training Centres and the recently scrapped County Bursaries and Scholarships,” he asserted. “Our children deserve nothing less than a well-funded and efficiently managed education system.”

Githuku further called for immediate measures to ensure that ECDE learning environments are adequately resourced. “We must guarantee that our schools are equipped with the necessary teaching materials and facilities to foster a conducive learning atmosphere,” he urged. “The County Government of Lamu must act swiftly to address these gaps.”

In another request, the Jubilee Party Lawmaker has demanded action on non-operational dispensaries in Lamu County.

Rising to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Health, Sen. Githuku called for urgent action to operationalize the Kiongwe and Mikinduni dispensaries, which remain non-functional despite the completion of construction. He emphasized the critical need for accessible healthcare in the region, highlighting the plight of residents who continue to suffer due to the lack of operational health facilities.

“It is deeply concerning that these dispensaries, which are essential for the well-being of our communities, remain closed,” Githuku stated. “I am seeking a detailed explanation from the Committee on why these facilities are not operational and what concrete steps are being taken to resolve this issue.”

The Senator pressed for clarity on staffing and equipping the dispensaries. “We need a clear timeline for when these dispensaries will be operational,” he insisted. “The County Government must ensure they are adequately staffed with qualified medical personnel and equipped with the necessary medical supplies to serve the people effectively.”

“Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health,” he said. “Until these dispensaries are operational, the County Government must outline immediate measures to ensure residents of Kiongwe and Mikinduni have access to quality healthcare services.”