- Senators found inadequate classrooms, sanitation facilities, learning materials and sleeping spaces during an inspection of ECDE centres.
- The committee ordered Bomet County to clear a Sh500,000 land balance for Rerendet ECDE Centre within one month.
- Senators also called for increased investment in vocational training infrastructure, equipment and learner support programmes.
The Senate Committee on Education has raised concerns over the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and vocational training institutions in Bomet County.
The committee said urgent investment is needed to provide learners with safe and conducive learning environments.
Led by Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet and Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof Margaret Kamar, the committee toured Chemobei ECDE Centre, Sibayan ECDE Centre, Rerendet ECDE Centre and Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, where members encountered inadequate infrastructure, shortage of classrooms, poor sanitation and insufficient learning materials.
Senators raise concerns over ECDE facilities
At Chemobei and Sibayan ECDE centres, senators found learners sharing facilities because of an ongoing land dispute affecting Sibayan ECDE Centre.
The committee also established that some children rest on desks because of inadequate sleeping spaces and a shortage of mattresses, while sanitation facilities are shared with learners from neighbouring primary schools.
Sen. Nderitu Kinyua questioned the impact of the county’s school feeding programme.
“As a committee, we expected to see a more impactful feeding programme. Proper nutrition is essential in ensuring that children remain active, healthy and focused while in school,” he said.
Sen. Seki Lenku Ole Kanar urged the county government to prioritise early childhood education.
“These children deserve dignity, protection and a conducive learning environment. ECDE must be accorded the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
At Rerendet ECDE Centre, senators found learners studying in a temporary store provided by Rerendet Tea Buying Centre following delays in completing payment for land intended for the school.
Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama described the situation as unacceptable.
“It is unacceptable for children to continue learning in a store facility due to delayed payments. Education must always remain a priority,” she said.
Montet directed county officials to clear the outstanding Sh500,000 land payment within one month, warning that failure to comply could result in responsible officials being summoned before the Senate.
Vocational training investment needed
During a visit to Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, senators acknowledged improvements made at the institution but said additional investment in infrastructure, training equipment and learner support programmes was still required.
Sen. Johnes Mwaruma urged young people to take advantage of opportunities offered through vocational training.
“Technical and Vocational Training remains one of the strongest tools for empowering young people economically. Learners should take advantage of these opportunities seriously,” he said.
Vice Chairperson Prof Margaret Kamar called for sustained investment in ECDE centres and vocational training institutions, particularly in infrastructure and school feeding programmes.
READ ALSO: Kibabii University sets date for Ipara to hand over VC’s office to Makhanu
The committee said improving the facilities would provide learners with better learning environments while strengthening skills development among young people.
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
