Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in Migori County came under sharp focus as the Senate Committee on Education engaged H.E. Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko and his County Executive Team on the status of ECDE and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The session, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, forms part of the Committee’s ongoing nationwide assessment of ECDE and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) implementation across all 47 counties. The Chairperson noted that the Committee has so far engaged 31 Counties and conducted 19 field visits in execution of its oversight mandate.

Governor Ayacko, accompanied by CECM for Education Hon. Rahab Robin, CECM for Finance Maurice Otunga, and Chief Officer for Education Ms. Roselyne Otieno, presented a detailed status report outlining progress, challenges, and planned reforms within the County’s ECDE and Vocational Training sector.

Migori County reported a total enrolment of 67,602 learners in public ECDE centres and 19,159 learners in private centres, reflecting strong uptake of early childhood education. However, the Committee raised concerns on whether existing infrastructure and staffing levels are sufficient to support quality learning outcomes.

On human resources, the County indicated that it has employed 659 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, alongside 339 teachers employed by parents through Boards of Management, earning stipends ranging between Ksh 4,000 and Ksh 8,000. Members of the Committee expressed concern over disparities in remuneration, with Sen. Murango noting, “There is a glaring disparity in teacher compensation, with most earning below SRC recommendations.”

In response, Governor Ayacko acknowledged the challenge, attributing it to budgetary constraints while highlighting incremental improvements. “I wish to acknowledge that ECDE teacher salaries remain low, largely due to budgetary constraints. However, the County has made efforts to improve allowances, increasing them from Ksh 800 to Ksh 3,400,” he stated. He further revealed that the County is currently undertaking recruitment to fill 300 additional ECDE teacher positions, alongside efforts to progressively improve their terms of service.

The Committee also interrogated policy frameworks and standards guiding ECDE implementation. Sen. Catherine Mumma commended the County for establishing an ECDE policy while seeking clarification on its current status and scope. “While we note the existence of the 2019 ECDE policy, is there an updated version in place? Additionally, do ECDE centres have designated playgrounds, and are there clear demarcations within primary school compounds? Further, how is the County implementing provisions relating to childcare facilities?”she posed.

In response, the Governor acknowledged existing gaps and ongoing efforts to strengthen policy and service delivery. “We are currently working on improving the ECDE policy and addressing existing gaps, particularly in school feeding programmes, infrastructure, and learning facilities, though progress has been constrained by limited budgetary resources,” he noted. He further explained that ECDE centres often share facilities with primary schools due to land constraints, resulting in non-exclusive playground spaces.

This prompted further concern from the Committee, with Sen. Mumma emphasizing the importance of adhering to minimum standards. “The formative years between ages 0 to 6 are critical, and the provision of adequate and dedicated facilities must be treated as a priority. Migori County must meet the minimum required standards,” she emphasized.

Additional concerns were raised on teacher-learner ratios and the absence of a structured feeding programme. Sen. Nderitu Kinyua observed, “There appears to be heavy reliance on teachers engaged by parents, which raises concerns about teacher-learner ratios. I also note the absence of a clear budgetary provision for a school feeding programme.”

The Governor assured the Committee of the County’s commitment to addressing these gaps in the upcoming financial year. “We will prioritise increased resource allocation towards ECDE, including the introduction of a structured school feeding programme and improvements in learning conditions for our children,” he affirmed. He also indicated that efforts are underway to formalize operational frameworks through a Memorandum of Understanding with primary schools.

On quality assurance, the County reported that the most recent assessment was conducted in May 2025 in collaboration with the National Government, focusing on infrastructure adequacy, teacher qualifications, instructional materials, sanitation, and inclusivity for learners with special needs.

The Committee also examined partnerships supporting the sector. The Chief Officer for Education indicated that the County continues to receive in-kind support from development partners, including digital learning devices and school furniture.

Sen. Seki Lenku sought clarification on budgetary provisions for quality assurance and emphasized the importance of establishing policy frameworks to guide key interventions. “As the County plans to roll out a feeding programme, it is important that this is supported by a clear policy framework to guide implementation," he stated. He also encouraged increased investment in vocational training to improve transition rates.

In her remarks, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet expressed concern over the pace of progress, urging the County to take deliberate action. “We must not normalise the status quo. ECDE is a devolved function, and there is need to improve facilities, including properly demarcated learning spaces and appropriate furniture for learners,” she stated.

The Governor further noted that competing priorities within county budgeting processes, including bursary allocations, often influence resource distribution. However, he reaffirmed the County’s commitment to strengthening ECDE delivery and aligning with national standards. “With improved budgetary allocation, we will be able to align teacher remuneration with SRC guidelines and expand critical programmes such as school feeding,” he added.

In his closing remarks, Governor Ayacko called for enhanced collaboration between the Senate and County Governments. “We look forward to the Senate supporting increased funding to counties, which will enable us to effectively implement ECDE and other devolved functions,” he concluded.

In her final remarks, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to working closely with Migori County to strengthen early childhood and vocational education. “The Senate looks forward to continued collaboration with the County Government to ensure the effective implementation of ECDE and TVET programmes. We also look forward to undertaking a field visit to Migori County to assess progress and support these efforts,” she stated.