The Senate Standing Committee on Education has raised concern over the state of infrastructure, learning equipment, and service delivery in Vocational Training Institutions and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres in Narok County during its ongoing oversight exercise.

Led by Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet and accompanied by the Narok County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Sports, Gender and Social Services Mr. Johnson Saruni Sipitiek, the Committee commenced the visit at Nairagie Enkare Vocational Training Centre, where Members noted significant challenges affecting the Electrical, ICT, and Mechanical Engineering Departments due to inadequate equipment and non-functional machinery.

Senators observed that the shortage of essential training equipment continues to negatively impact practical learning and skills development among trainees.

“The purpose of this oversight exercise is to ensure that institutions established to empower young people are fully operational and adequately equipped,” stated Sen. Montet, while directing County Education Officials to urgently address the gaps identified during the inspection.

During an interaction with trainees, Members of the Committee encouraged students to remain focused despite the challenges facing the institution. Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama applauded the learners for their resilience and urged them to embrace vocational training as a pathway towards self-employment, economic empowerment, and skills development.

Sen. Seki Ole Kanar sought clarification from County Officials on the status of training equipment and implementation of vocational education programmes, emphasizing the need for institutions to be adequately supported to enable young people to acquire competitive technical skills.

Sen. Nderitu Kinyua also challenged trainees to remain disciplined and committed to their studies, noting that Technical and Vocational Training remains one of the key drivers of employment, innovation, and economic growth in the Country.

The Committee later visited Eor Ekule Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Centre, where Members expressed concern over the lack of adequate classrooms, toilet facilities, sleeping areas, and learning materials. Teachers at the institution informed the Committee that some learners are forced to sleep on tables due to shortage of mats and inadequate infrastructure.

Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar praised teachers at the institution for their dedication and sacrifice despite the difficult conditions, observing that strengthening ECDE remains critical in laying a firm educational foundation for children during their formative years.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina criticized the poor state of some institutions despite allocations made towards vocational training in the 2025/2026 Financial Year. He pledged to engage the management of the affected institutions and support efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, training facilities, and provision of equipment.

At Narok Town Vocational Training Centre, the Committee acknowledged the progress made within the Beauty and Hair Therapy as well as Hospitality Departments, describing the institution as a positive example of how vocational training can transform lives and create opportunities for young people.

The Committee encouraged trainees across all institutions visited to maximize the opportunities available to them and utilize their acquired skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully towards national development.