The Senate Standing Committee on Education, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today continued its nationwide inquiry into the implementation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) by meeting H.E. Andrew Katuu Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County, and his County Executive Team at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.

The consultative session forms part of the Committee's ongoing oversight exercise aimed at assessing the implementation of devolved education functions across all 47 counties. In her opening remarks, Sen. Montet noted that the Committee has so far engaged 41 County Governments and undertaken 23 county oversight visits, underscoring the Committee's commitment to strengthening foundational education and vocational skills development across the Country.

H.E. Mwadime was accompanied by the Ag. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Shedrack Mutungi, together with members of the County's Technical Education Team.

Welcoming the opportunity to present the County's progress, H.E. Mwadime underscored the value of parliamentary oversight, stating "I believe that oversight and counter-checking is very important because it enables us to learn and improve our operations."

The Governor informed the Committee that Taita Taveta County currently has 678 ECDE Centres served by 326 ECDE teachers. Since the advent of devolution, the County Government has continued investing in the construction of new ECDE classrooms, rehabilitation and upgrading of existing facilities, and expansion of learning infrastructure aimed at creating safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning environments.

Members also learnt that the County Government supports ECDE through the employment of teachers, infrastructure development, provision of learning materials and implementation of a county-funded school feeding programme. Parents complement these efforts through contributions towards meals, learning materials, support staff and other operational expenses, while development partners continue supporting selected programmes across the County.

The Committee further noted that a comprehensive Quality Assurance Assessment was undertaken between February and March 2026, covering all public and private ECDE centres across the County's four sub-counties.

The Committee commended the County Government for the progress made in expanding ECDE infrastructure, undertaking countywide quality assurance assessments and sustaining school feeding programmes, noting that these initiatives continue to improve access to quality early childhood education and enhance learning outcomes across the County.

Commending the County's presentation, Vice Chair Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar praised the quality of documentation and investments made in early childhood education.

"Thank you for your meticulous documentation. I am impressed with the ECDE play facilities and the fencing of the centres. However, are the ECDE centres separated from the primary schools? Do you have formal agreements with the primary schools? We must also ensure that classroom furniture complies with the National Pre-Primary Education Policy, which recommends child-friendly hexagonal tables. The foundation of our early learners is critical."

She further sought clarification on the County's school feeding programme, observing that learners who remain in school beyond 1.00 p.m. should receive lunch in line with the national policy.

Responding to the concerns, Ag. CECM Shedrack Mutungi explained that stand-alone ECDE centres are fenced while the County maintains structured working relationships with neighbouring primary schools. He added that the County Government provides porridge to all ECDE learners, while lunch programmes are jointly supported by the County Government, parents and development partners, including World Vision. However he did admit that indeed the County Government was yet to provide the recommended furniture for the ECDE learners and reassured the Committee that the same would be budgeted for in the next financial year.

The discussions also focused on childcare services. County officials informed Members that although children below four years are currently accommodated within ECDE programmes, the County is in the process of developing a comprehensive Child Care Policy.

Commenting on the matter, Sen. Montet observed "It is clear that the County has not yet established Child Care Centres as envisaged under the policy. We expect these centres to exist within our villages and be supported by trained Child Care Officers."

Agreeing with the Committee's observations, H.E. Mwadime acknowledged, "It is true we do not yet have Child Care Centres. This engagement has been a learning process for us, and we appreciate the guidance from the Committee."

The Committee also sought clarification on the policy framework guiding implementation of ECDE programmes within the County.

Sen. Catherine Mumma emphasized the importance of ensuring that early childhood education is anchored on a clear legislative and policy framework. "Does the County have an ECDE Policy in place and, if so, has it been fully implemented to guide the delivery of early childhood education services?"

Responding to the concern, Ag. CECM Shedrack Mutungi informed the Committee that Taita Taveta County has an approved ECDE Policy, which is currently being implemented to guide service delivery, infrastructure development and other early childhood education programmes across the County.

The Committee also examined the shortage of ECDE teachers, classroom deficits and implementation of the County ECDE Policy.

Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama sought clarification on the County's plans to bridge the existing gaps. "I note the shortage of qualified teachers and the deficit in classrooms. What are your plans and timelines for implementing the ECDE Policy and addressing these gaps?"

County officials informed the Committee that implementation of the policy had commenced immediately, with 46 ECDE infrastructure projects already completed. They further disclosed that recruitment of 30 additional ECDE teachers had reached the final stages, with successful candidates expected to report during the current financial year.

The Committee also raised concerns over reports that some Board of Management (BOM) teachers receive salaries ranging between Ksh.5,000 and Ksh.10,000 per month.

Expressing concern, Sen. Seki Ole Lenku stated "The County Government should progressively absorb all ECDE teachers into its payroll. Parents should not bear responsibilities that rightly belong to the County Government under the devolved education function. The Governor should ensure there is uniformity in funding all functions expected under ECDE."

The issue of parental contributions towards ECDE attracted further scrutiny from Members.

Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma observed "The National ECDE Policy clearly provides that ECDE should be free. Parents are already contributing towards the school feeding programme and should not be burdened further through additional fees. The County Government should ensure prudent budgeting so that these services are adequately financed without passing the cost to parents."

Responding to the concerns, H.E. Mwadime assured the Committee that the County would continue reviewing its budgetary allocations to strengthen ECDE financing while progressively reducing the financial burden on parents.

Echoing the concerns raised by Members, Sen. Montet emphasized "This is a serious issue because it goes against the National ECDE Policy. The County Government should provide a detailed and well-articulated ECDE budget and ensure all devolved education functions are adequately financed."

Turning to Vocational Training, the Committee learnt that Taita Taveta County currently operates 31 Vocational Training Centres, all of which are operational and staffed by County-employed instructors.

The Governor informed Members that despite the County's continued investment in Vocational Education, low enrolment remains one of its greatest challenges.

The Committee further noted that from January 2026 to date, 924 learners had transitioned from primary schools to VTCs, while 1,143 learners had enrolled into VTCs after completing secondary school.

H.E. Mwadime further informed the Committee that the County remains committed to promoting equitable access to Vocational Education, including for persons with disabilities. However, he acknowledged existing challenges, including inadequate disability-friendly infrastructure, shortage of trainers with Special Needs Education skills and limited assistive learning equipment. He affirmed the County's commitment to progressively improve accessibility through infrastructure upgrades, trainer capacity building and enhanced resource mobilisation.

Encouraging counties to continue investing in Vocational Education, Sen. Montet observed "We continue to encourage County Governments to invest in and adequately equip Vocational Training Centres. These institutions are critical in equipping our young people with practical skills and addressing the stigma often associated with Technical Education."

In his closing remarks, H.E. Mwadime thanked the Committee for what he described as a productive engagement. "These sessions are extremely important and enlightening. You have given us new perspectives on how we can improve the implementation of ECDE and Vocational Training Centres in Taita Taveta County."

Concluding the meeting, Sen. Montet thanked the Governor and his team for their candid submissions and reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to supporting counties in strengthening foundational education. "We appreciate your submissions and look forward to working together to improve the quality of ECDE and Vocational Training. Our children are the future leaders of this great nation, and it is our collective responsibility to give them the strongest possible foundation."