The Senate Standing Committee on Education has praised the County Government of Trans Nzoia for rolling out comprehensive education reforms that have strengthened early childhood learning and expanded vocational training opportunities.
The committee, led by Chairperson Senator Betty Montet, held an oversight session with Governor George Natembeya and county education officials on Thursday, lauding the county’s strides in improving access to quality education.
“Trans Nzoia has done exceptionally well in expanding access to education and ensuring ECDE teachers are on permanent and pensionable terms,” said Montet. “That stability allows them to better nurture our children.”
Montet noted that the county had constructed 32 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) surpassing the national requirement of one per ward and praised plans to introduce free training in all VTCs from the next financial year.
“This is a bold step toward equitable education,” she said.
ALSO READ;
Nyeri families in agony as Hillside dorm fire inquest stalls over missing DCI files
Governor Natembeya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive learning, saying no child in Trans Nzoia should be locked out of education due to financial challenges.
“Our goal is to ensure that every learner has a fair chance, whether in ECDE or technical training,” he said.
Committee Vice Chair Professor Margaret Kamar also hailed the county for its rapid expansion of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facilities. She noted that 128 new centers have been built since 2022 doubling the number recorded at the start of devolution.
“The development of a child’s brain happens between ages four and seven. Starting them off well determines the kind of professionals our nation will have,” Kamar said.
She further commended the county’s partnerships with organizations such as Safaricom, Child Rescue Kenya, KCB Bank, Dutch development partners, and Tools to Work, which have equipped vocational centers with modern training tools and resources.
“The governor has gone beyond the minimum,” Kamar added. “If we fail to train our youth, we risk having a generation without skills or direction.”
Governor Natembeya welcomed the Senate’s endorsement, saying the committee’s visit underscores the success of devolution in delivering education reforms at the grassroots.
“We appreciate the Senate’s oversight and guidance,” he said. “Our focus remains on ECDE and vocational training,key sectors that shape our county’s future workforce.”
The Senate Education Committee will compile a comprehensive report on Trans Nzoia’s education progress, which is expected to guide national policy on early learning and vocational training across counties.
The Senate delegation included Senators Johannes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) and Nderitu Kinyua (Laikipia). They were joined by Trans Nzoia County Assembly Education Committee Chair Kefa Were Kapomboi, CEC for Education Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, CEC for Finance Dr. Joseph Pepela, and Chief Officer for Education Kennedy Etiang, among other officials.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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
