The Senate Standing Committee on Education today concluded its South Rift regional oversight exercise with an inspection visit to Nakuru County, where Members assessed the status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and Vocational Training Institutions across the County.

Led by Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet, the Committee visited Race Track ECDE Centre, Nakuru Vocational Training Centre, and Moi Comprehensive Primary School ECDE Centre. Members were received by Nakuru Deputy Governor H.E. Hon. David Kones alongside the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education Hon. Janet Bee Chumo, Nakuru County Assembly Majority Leader Hon. William Mutai, Members of the County Assembly Education Committee, and County Education Officials.

At Race Track ECDE Centre, Senators acknowledged the institution’s relatively well-developed facilities including classrooms, a kitchen, and a playground. However, the Committee raised concern over congestion, inadequate playground equipment, and persistent teacher shortages despite the centre hosting more than 300 learners across five classrooms.

The Committee further established that out of the ten teachers serving at the institution, only three are employed by the County Government while seven others are engaged through the Board of Management (BOM) with support from parents.

Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet sought clarification from teachers on the level of support received from the County Government and urged the County Administration to prioritize expansion of classrooms, playground facilities, and teacher recruitment.

“These learners deserve adequate space to learn, play, and develop comfortably. Counties must continue investing in ECDE infrastructure and employment of teachers,” stated Sen. Montet.

The Principal of Race Track Primary School informed the Committee that parents currently contribute KSh 3,000 per term to support salaries for the seven BOM teachers due to the shortage of county-employed instructors.

Sen. Ole Kanar Seki challenged County Officials to strengthen investment in ECDE and reduce overreliance on parents in supporting core education functions.

“Early Childhood Education forms the foundation of learning and counties must fully take responsibility for this function instead of shifting the burden to parents,” observed Sen. Seki.

Responding to concerns raised by the Committee, CECM for Education Hon. Janet Bee Chumo rated Nakuru County’s ECDE progress at six out of ten, noting that while the County has made strides in construction of kitchens and classroom blocks within some centres, additional improvements are still required.

At Nakuru Vocational Training Centre, Senators engaged trainees from different departments, where students raised concerns regarding limited employment opportunities after completion of their studies.

Electrical Engineering student Edwin Amatalo appealed to both the Senate Committee and County Government to support vocational trainees in accessing opportunities after graduation.

“After school, we need opportunities where we can apply our skills and gain experience because securing employment is becoming increasingly difficult,” stated Amatalo.

Sen. Ole Kanar Seki encouraged students pursuing Building and Construction courses to remain focused and committed, noting that the construction industry continues to offer significant opportunities for skilled youth.

“Construction remains one of the most marketable fields today because development is taking place everywhere. Young people with technical skills in this area will continue finding opportunities,” stated Sen. Seki.

The Committee later concluded its oversight exercise at Moi Comprehensive Primary School ECDE Centre, where Senators lauded the institution’s management led by Ms. Valentine Ochieng for maintaining a well-organized standalone ECDE section.

The Centre currently hosts approximately 597 ECDE learners supported by 23 teachers. However, Senators expressed concern after learning that only four teachers are employed by the County Government while 19 are engaged through the Board of Management.

Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar observed that teacher shortages and congestion remain among the key challenges affecting quality ECDE learning across many counties.

“You cannot achieve quality ECDE education without adequate teachers and sufficient classroom space. Counties must increase investment in teacher recruitment and infrastructure development,” stated Sen. Kamar.

Sen. Nderitu Kinyua also urged the County Government to reduce reliance on BOM teachers and prioritize sustainable staffing solutions for ECDE centres across the County.

The Nakuru visit marked the conclusion of the Committee’s South Rift regional oversight exercise on the implementation status of ECDE and Vocational Training programmes within county governments.