The Senate Standing Committee on Education, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today held a consultative meeting with the Governor of West Pokot County, H.E. Simon Kachapin, and members of his County Executive Team to deliberate on the status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the County.

 

The engagement forms part of the Committee's ongoing assessment of the implementation of devolved education functions across the country. In her opening remarks, Sen. Montet informed the meeting that the Committee has so far engaged 37 County Governments and undertaken inspection visits to 13 counties, with West Pokot becoming the 38th County to appear before the Committee.

 

Governor Kachapin, accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Education Rebecca Kide, Chief of Staff Tyno Rotino and Director of Bursaries Andrew Kashiltich, briefed the Committee on the County's progress, achievements and challenges in the ECDE sector.

 

The Governor informed the Committee that West Pokot County currently has 1,214 public ECDE centres serving 76,019 learners and 85 private ECDE centres with an enrolment of 7,339 learners across its seven sub-counties. He further noted that the County employs 1,662 ECDE teachers and recently undertook a quality assessment of all public and private ECDE centres on 3rd June 2026.

 

Highlighting the County's commitment to access to education, Governor Kachapin stated, "In West Pokot County there are no fees charged in all public ECDE centres; we give free education."

 

The Governor further informed the Committee that all ECDE teachers employed by the County possess recognized qualifications ranging from Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels and are registered by the Teachers Service Commission. He added that the County continues to invest in teacher refresher and retooling programmes aimed at strengthening pedagogical competencies and improving the quality of ECDE service delivery.

 

On infrastructure development, Governor Kachapin observed that the County's unique geographical terrain continues to influence construction costs.

 

"West Pokot's geographical location and topography is diverse and therefore costs of some classrooms may vary due to difficult hard-to-reach areas," he explained.

 

During deliberations on infrastructure expenditure, Sen. Nderitu Kinyua sought clarification on the cost variations between classroom and kitchen construction, noting, "I am keen to note that an 8 by 6 metre classroom is costing KSh1 million, yet a 6 by 4 metre kitchen is costing KSh1.2 million. How do you account for this difference?"

 

Responding to the concern, CECM Rebecca Kide explained that the County has constructed over 600 ECDE facilities and that the figures presented reflected average construction costs across different regions of the County. She noted that transportation of materials to remote areas significantly increases project costs.

 

Governor Kachapin further clarified that differences in building designs and Bills of Quantities contribute to the variation in costs, adding that the County could potentially construct more classrooms through labour-based methods at approximately KSh700,000 per unit.

 

While acknowledging the County's efforts, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet encouraged the County Government to review the construction budgets and explore opportunities for greater efficiency.

 

The Committee was informed that the teacher-pupil ratio currently stands at 1:45 against the recommended ratio of 1:25.

 

Seeking clarification on measures being taken to improve staffing levels, Sen. Kinyua asked, "On your ratios of 1:45, what are you doing to reduce this ratio?"

 

Governor Kachapin acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We do acknowledge that the ratios are high and we are trying to bridge this gap. We are trying to establish more ECDE centres, although acquiring land for stand-alone centres remains a challenge."

 

The Governor further informed the Committee that some teachers are engaged through Boards of Management and that the information had not been fully captured in the submitted report. He assured Senators that the records would be updated and submitted to the Committee.

 

Sen. Mwaruma also observed that a number of ECDE centres appeared to have no teachers assigned.

 

In response, CECM Rebecca Kide informed the Committee that the County is currently in the process of recruiting 200 additional ECDE teachers and expressed confidence that the staffing gaps would be addressed in the coming months. She added that qualified volunteers are presently supporting learning in centres affected by teacher shortages.

 

The Committee also reviewed the County's school feeding programme, which currently provides fortified porridge once daily to ECDE learners.

 

Questioning the sustainability of the programme, Sen. Kinyua observed that budget allocations appeared to be reducing despite rising enrolment figures.

 

Governor Kachapin attributed the reduction to competing priorities, including the absorption of teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and the construction of additional classrooms.

 

"Many of our ECDE centres are domiciled within primary schools and we partner with them to leverage on the feeding programme," he explained.

 

Sen. James Murango further sought clarification on why the programme appeared to be concentrated during the second school term.

 

In response, the Governor reiterated that budgetary constraints continue to affect implementation and expansion of the programme.

 

The Committee also discussed the status of libraries and access to learning resources within the County.

 

Sen. Agnes Kavindu asked, "Why did you not continue with the Netherlands-supported library in the County?"

 

Responding to the concern, Governor Kachapin informed the Committee that the County currently has only one library facility, which remains inadequately equipped.

 

"We appreciate that libraries are devolved and we will continue to strive to improve them. We shall prioritise libraries in the next financial budget," he said.

 

Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma encouraged the County Government to consider alternative approaches such as ICT hubs and mobile libraries to expand access to educational resources, particularly in remote areas.

 

The Governor also informed the Committee that West Pokot currently does not have any public or private daycare centres and reiterated the County's commitment to improving learning infrastructure despite resource constraints.

 

The meeting further highlighted the role of development partners in supporting education within the County. The Committee heard that organizations including UNICEF, World Vision, EIDU, Anglican Development Services (ADS) and the M-Pesa Foundation have complemented County efforts through teacher training, classroom construction, curriculum support, digital learning initiatives and vocational training programmes.

 

During discussions on teacher welfare and learning environments, Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar raised concerns regarding teacher remuneration and classroom furniture standards.

 

"The minimum salary for diploma teachers should be KSh18,500, yet your report indicates figures below that. I hope the Governor is aware of the minimum wage requirements," she observed.

 

Sen. Kamar further noted that many ECDE centres continue to utilise round tables instead of the recommended hexagonal furniture design that supports effective learner engagement and classroom management.

 

In response, Governor Kachapin acknowledged that the County had not fully adopted the recommended furniture standards and assured the Committee that efforts were underway to progressively align facilities with policy requirements.

 

Commending the County's efforts, Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma lauded the Governor for sustaining free ECDE education and encouraged the County Government to continue investing in innovative approaches that enhance access and quality.

 

As discussions progressed, Chairperson Sen. Montet proposed that detailed deliberations on Vocational Training Institutions and budgetary allocations be undertaken during the Committee's forthcoming inspection visit to West Pokot County.

 

The Committee, however, noted the County Government's plans to strengthen Vocational Training through the establishment of Centres of Excellence at Chepareria and Kapenguria VTCs, expansion of vocational training centres to additional wards, introduction of ICT and agribusiness courses, implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes and strengthening of industry partnerships to enhance employment opportunities for trainees.

 

In her closing remarks, Sen. Montet commended the County for submitting a comprehensive report that facilitated the Committee's review process.

 

"We want to thank you Governor for the very well-produced report that has made it easy for us to follow. I am impressed with West Pokot and the fact that you are doing something significant in ECDE," she stated.

 

In his concluding remarks, Governor Kachapin thanked the Committee for its engagement and reaffirmed the County Government's commitment to continued collaboration with the Senate.

 

"On behalf of the people of West Pokot County, we are ready to receive you and will continue to collaborate with this Committee in pursuing its oversight mandate," he said.

 

Also present during the meeting was Sen. Catherine Mumma.