Trans Nzoia County has heavily invested in the education sector and its ripple effects are now seen in the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), where enrolments have increased.
In an exclusive interview with Education News, County Executive for Education and Vocational Training, Janerose Mutama, said the county embarked on deliberate reforms to breathe new life into both VTCs and ECDE and the effort has borne fruits.
One of the most significant interventions was the dramatic increase in capitation, from Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 13,000 per trainee. Mutama said this measure has revitalized the centres, enabling them to operate effectively while attracting more young people.
“Enrollment has already risen by 20 percent compared to the previous financial year.” Mutama said.
To strengthen the reforms, Mutama revealed that the county also secured a five-year partnership with Dutch NGO Tools to Work, which has supplied tools and equipment worth Ksh 15 million over the past two years.
“ Another shipment is expected this October . This support has been key in rolling out the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum, already adopted in seven training centres. The CBET model emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills, equipping learners to meet the demands of the modern job market. This year alone, 824 young men and women graduated from VTCs, a clear sign, Mutama said, that reforms are bearing fruit.” She added
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The County Education CECM further said that, the transformation is not confined to vocational training alone; ECDE centres across the county are also reaping benefits from the new policies.
“There are currently 437 ECDEs with an enrollment of 45,000 learners. A school milk programme introduced by Governor Natembeya boosted attendance significantly and is projected to push VTC enrollment beyond 5,000. To cope with the rising numbers, the county is putting up modern twin classrooms in various centres.” She said
Mutama reiterated that teacher welfare has also improved, adding that over 781 ECDE staffs were recently confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms, while 111 VTC instructors are undergoing promotional interviews.
“Most of the teachers are diploma holders, though a growing number now have degrees and master’s qualifications. ECDEs have adopted a common curriculum while VTCs continue to operate under NITA and KNEC frameworks, with CBET being introduced gradually,” she revealed.
Mutama acknowledged that while progress is evident, challenges remain. The sharp rise in enrollment has created a strain on resources, particularly learning materials. “Textbooks are available, but the demand is far greater than the supply,” she said.
She added that the county is committed to tackling such gaps while continuing to build on gains made. Incentives are also playing a role in sustaining enrollment. For ECDE learners, the milk programme has proved successful, while VTC trainees benefit from enhanced capitation and staff promotion opportunities.
“Education is the foundation for everything,” Mutama emphasized. “By investing in it, we are securing the future of our youth and of Trans Nzoia as a whole.”she notes.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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