The Senate Committee on Education, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today held a consultative meeting with Nairobi Governor H.E. Johnson Sakaja and his County Executive Team to deliberate on the current status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) within Nairobi County.

The session formed part of the Committee’s ongoing national assessment of ECDE and TVET implementation across all 47 counties.

Governor Sakaja, accompanied by CEC for Education, Mr. Brian Mulama, provided a detailed briefing on the progress, challenges, and ongoing reforms within Nairobi’s education sector.

“I take the Senate extremely seriously and I sincerely apologize for not appearing earlier when invited,” said Governor Sakaja. “Education is very close to my heart — our children are the future of this country" he reiterated.

Governor Sakaja informed the Committee that the County currently operates 230 public and 839 private ECDE centres, with plans underway to expand access through the construction of additional classrooms. He further stressed that the primary schools are infact domiciled at the ECDE centres noting that the schools are owned by the County Government.

Out of the public centres, 200 are integrated within primary schools, while 30 are stand-alone facilities. The cost of constructing a standard ECDE centre varies between KSh 11 million and KSh 18 million, including classrooms, an administration block, and a kitchen.

Each year, the County allocates KSh 100 million in capitation to support pre-primary education, maintaining a 100% transition rate from ECDE to primary school. All pre-primary teachers are employed by the County Government under permanent and pensionable terms, with a teacher–pupil ratio of 1:33, targeted to reduce to 1:25 through future recruitment.

“We are focusing on building more classrooms in Nairobi to improve learning environments,” the Governor said, adding that recent fiscal challenges had temporarily affected bursary disbursements.

The Committee commended the County’s robust school feeding programme, which currently benefits 316,000 learners daily across 230 public schools.

Through 17 central kitchens, the County produces approximately 15,000 meals per day, with each pre-primary child contributing KSh 5 per meal. The initiative has led to a 27% increase in ECDE enrollment.

"The school feeding programme has transformed attendance and nutrition levels in our ECDEs,” noted Sen. Nderitu Kinyua, who praised the Governor’s efforts.

Governor Sakaja added: “Our aim is to feed every child in a public school. We’re also seeking support to expand the kitchens and reach more learners, especially in informal settlements.”

Sen. Edwin Sifuna, raised concerns over inadequate ECDE infrastructure in certain wards, such as Roysambu, and the need for adequate play areas, toilets, and trained teachers.

“Given Nairobi’s population density, ideally each ward should have at least two ECDE centres,” he stated.

Sen. Catherine Mumma emphasized the need for a clear policy framework for ECDE implementation in informal settlements.

“You cannot effectively implement this function without a guiding policy. Nairobi must move with urgency to develop one to ensure equitable access for all children,” she urged.

Committee members also called for the County to improve data on children out of school and to prioritize inclusive education for learners with special needs.

The Committee further engaged the Governor on the status of Vocational Training Centres, with Nairobi currently hosting only 12 operational VTCs offering courses in plumbing, mechanics, engineering and others.

Governor Sakaja stated that his administration plans to expand and equip more VTCs, supported by a KSh 71 million capitation. The County also partners with organizations such as World Vision, Girl Child Partners, and SHOFCO to strengthen skills training and provide start-up kits for graduates.

"We intend to fast-track the VTC policy and align our training to modern industry needs,” the Governor said.

Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar, the Committee Vice-Chairperson, urged the County to “make deliberate campaigns to educate the public on the value of VTCs and expand enrollment to empower the youth.”

In her closing remarks, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet, appreciated the Governor’s openness and commitment to collaboration.

“This has been a productive and informative session. We are glad to see the Nairobi County Government taking deliberate steps to safeguard the future of our young learners,” she said. “Let the money follow the function — so that every child, from ECDE to TVET, receives the quality education they deserve.”

The meeting was attended by Vice Chair Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar, Sen. Catherine Mumma, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Agnes Kavindu, Sen. Seki Lenku, Sen. James Murango, Sen. Nderitu Kinyua and Sen. Edwin Sifuna (as a friend of the Committee).