The Senate Committee on Education has expressed concern over the condition of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and Vocational Training Institutions in Bomet County during its ongoing oversight exercise across the region.

Led by Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet and Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar, the Committee conducted inspection visits to Chemobei ECDE Centre, Sibayan ECDE Centre, Rerendet ECDE Centre, and Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, where Members cited challenges relating to inadequate infrastructure, shortage of classrooms, lack of toilets, kitchens and sleeping facilities, as well as insufficient learning materials.

The Committee was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Youth, Sports and Vocational Training Hon. Patrick Maritim, County Education Officials, and representatives from the Office of the Senator for Bomet County.

At Chemobei and Sibayan ECDE Centres, Senators observed that learners are currently sharing facilities due to an ongoing land dispute affecting Sibayan ECDE Centre. Members further noted that some children are forced to rest on desks because of inadequate sleeping spaces and shortage of mattresses, while sanitation facilities are shared with learners from neighbouring primary schools.

Sen. Nderitu Kinyua questioned the sustainability and impact of the County’s school feeding programme, noting that despite Bomet County being among the counties allocating substantial resources towards ECDE feeding initiatives, learners currently receive only 200 millilitres of milk twice a week.

“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,” stated Sen. Kinyua.

Sen. Ole Kanar Seki called on the County Government to urgently improve learning conditions within ECDE centres, emphasizing the need to provide young learners with safe and dignified learning environments.

“These children deserve dignity, protection, and a conducive learning environment. ECDE must be accorded the seriousness it deserves,” emphasized Sen. Seki.

At Rerendet ECDE Centre, the Committee found learners studying inside a temporary store structure provided by the Rerendet Tea Buying Centre. Senators observed that the location exposes learners to constant distractions arising from tea buying and commercial activities taking place within the premises.

The Committee was informed that although the County Government had committed to purchasing land for construction of the ECDE centre, delayed payment of KSh 500,000 to the landowner resulted in learners being displaced from the intended learning space pending completion of payment.

Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama urged the County Government to urgently settle the pending balance and secure a permanent learning environment for the children.

“It is unacceptable for children to continue learning in a store facility due to delayed payments. Education must always remain a priority,” stated Sen. Kavindu.

Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet directed the County Government to clear the agreed land payment within one month, warning that failure to comply could result in the responsible officials being summoned before the Senate.

The Committee later visited Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, where Members acknowledged ongoing improvements at the institution while noting the need for further investment in infrastructure, training equipment, and learner support programmes.

Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma encouraged trainees at the institution to remain committed to vocational education and utilize their acquired skills to create employment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

“Technical and Vocational Training remains one of the strongest tools for empowering young people economically. Learners should take advantage of these opportunities seriously,” stated Sen. Mwaruma.

Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar emphasized the need for Bomet County to strengthen investment in both ECDE and vocational training programmes, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and school feeding initiatives.

“One of the key observations made by the Committee is that the feeding programme requires urgent improvement. The County Government must do more to support learners and provide better learning conditions,” stated Sen. Kamar.

The Committee further observed that a majority of ECDE centres within Bomet County are domiciled within primary school compounds, a situation Senators noted requires urgent intervention to ensure young learners access independent, child-friendly, and age-appropriate learning facilities.