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

The session forms part of the Committee’s ongoing national assessment of ECDE and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) implementation across all 47 counties, aimed at strengthening the delivery of foundational learning and skills development under devolved governance.

Governor Mbarire, accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Ms. Monica Mwikali, and senior county education officials, briefed the Committee on the progress made in expanding access to ECDE services and strengthening vocational training opportunities for youth across the county.

The Committee was informed that Embu County currently has 404 public ECDE centres and 142 private ECDE centres, serving a total enrolment of 27,718 learners. Of these, 19,209 learners are enrolled in public centres while 8,509 attend private ECDE institutions, demonstrating the complementary role played by private providers in supporting early childhood education.

Further, the county reported that 9,975 learners are enrolled in PP1 and 9,234 in PP2 within public ECDE centres, reflecting steady participation in early childhood education.

The Governor also highlighted the county’s commitment to ensuring access to early childhood education.

“We do not charge any tuition fees in our ECDE centres. Our focus is to ensure that every child can access early learning regardless of their background,” said Governor Mbarire.

On infrastructure development, the Governor noted that the county had revised construction costs to reflect prevailing market conditions.

“Previously each ECDE classroom unit cost about KSh 1.2 million to construct, but following a review of Bills of Quantities, the cost was revised to approximately KSh 1.5 million per unit to align with current market rates,” she explained.

The Committee further heard that approximately 95% of ECDE centres in the county are located within existing primary schools, enabling a seamless transition from early childhood education to primary schooling. Additionally, 21 ECDE centres operate as feeder or stand-alone centres in remote areas, helping improve access to early learning for children in hard-to-reach communities.

The Governor also outlined ongoing plans to strengthen the county’s ECDE school feeding programme.

“We phased the Uji feeding programme earlier, but we will be launching the second phase in May 2026 to ensure that all learners in public ECDE centres benefit,” she stated.

During the engagement, Senators raised several issues relating to infrastructure standards, teacher welfare, and learning environments for young children.

Senator Johannes Mwaruma sought clarification on the financing and implementation of quality assurance mechanisms in ECDE centres as well as teacher welfare.

“Quality assurance is critical in early childhood learning. We must ensure that proper systems are in place to monitor standards and support teachers delivering foundational education,” said Sen. Mwaruma.

Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar underscored the importance of providing child-friendly learning environments for ECDE learners.

“Young learners require spaces designed specifically for them. Facilities such as sanitation blocks and classroom furniture should reflect the unique needs of ECDE pupils,” she noted.

Senator John Methu commended the county for progress made in strengthening education financing and teacher support mechanisms.

“We are encouraged by the steps taken to implement the scheme of service for ECDE teachers and the increased investment in education development programmes,” he said.

Senator Seki Lenku also welcomed the county’s efforts in supporting learner welfare through school feeding initiatives.

“School feeding programmes play an important role in improving enrollment and retention among young learners,” he observed.

In her closing remarks, Committee Chairperson Senator Betty Montet commended Embu County for prioritising early childhood education while encouraging continued investment in quality learning environments.

“This function was previously underrated, but it is encouraging to see counties increasingly prioritising ECDE and vocational training. Our children deserve quality education from the earliest stages,” she said.

Governor Mbarire expressed appreciation for the Committee’s oversight role and the opportunity for counties to learn from one another.

“Let me appreciate the work of this Committee. These engagements allow us to learn from other counties, adopt best practices and improve the programmes we are implementing for our learners,” she noted.

The Senate Education Committee continues to undertake similar engagements with county governments as part of its oversight mandate to ensure effective implementation of devolved education functions and to promote equitable access to quality ECDE and vocational training across the country.

Also present during the meeting was Sen. James Murango and Embu Senator Munyi Mundigi (Friend of the Committee).