The Narok County Government has been urged to increase investment in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and vocational training institutions to improve learning conditions and empower thousands of youths across the county.
The Senate Education Committee said the two sectors remain critical in equipping learners with essential skills and laying a strong educational foundation for future economic growth.
Chairperson Senator Betty Montet commended the county government for increasing budgetary allocation towards vocational training centres, but noted that more resources were still required to fully equip the institutions and support learners effectively.
“Many school leavers depend on vocational training centres to acquire practical skills that can enable them secure employment and become self-reliant,” said Montet.
Speaking during an oversight visit to Narok County, she encouraged the county government to continue strengthening vocational institutions to ensure graduates can sustainably support themselves and contribute positively to society.
Montet also acknowledged progress made by the county in improving infrastructure in ECDE centres through the construction of classrooms, but stressed the importance of aligning the centres with standards set by the national government.
“As a Senate, we will continue undertaking our oversight role to ensure county governments implement education programmes effectively. That is why we currently have an inquiry in the Senate on the implementation of ECDE centres across the country,” she stated.
The senator observed that many county governments had initially failed to prioritize ECDE programmes, but noted that considerable improvements had been witnessed over the last year.
She further emphasized the need for counties to prioritize vocational training centres in order to keep youths engaged and economically productive.
The oversight team included Senators Margaret Kamar, Agnes Kavindu Muthama of Machakos, John Kinyua of Laikipia, Johnes Mwaruma of Taita Taveta, and Lenku Ole Kanar Seki of Kajiado County.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, who also attended the inquiry session, said more interventions were still needed in the county’s education sector, especially in ECDE centres and vocational training institutions.
“We need more investment in ECDE and vocational training centres to improve learning conditions and support our learners adequately,” said Ole Kina.
At the same time, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu announced that the county government will employ 300 new ECDE teachers within the next three weeks in a move aimed at addressing the high teacher-to-pupil ratio currently affecting many learning centres.
Ole Kina urged the county government to immediately release the already allocated Sh100 million earmarked for the education sector, particularly ECDE and vocational training institutions, to support learners and improve facilities.
READ ALSO: Narok county flags off distribution of ECDE curriculum materials
“There is also a need for more classrooms in many ECDE centres. We will continue working closely with the Senate committee to lobby for additional funding to improve education standards across the county,” he added.
The Senate Education Committee is expected to continue its oversight exercise in Bomet, Kericho, and Nakuru counties in the coming days as part of a wider assessment of education programmes across the country.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
