The Senate Committee on Education, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today held a consultative session with Nyeri Governor H.E. Dr. Mutahi Kahiga and his County Executive Team to assess the implementation and current status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) within Nyeri County.

The engagement forms part of the Committee’s ongoing nationwide oversight exercise on the implementation of devolved ECDE and TVET functions across the 47 county Governments.

In her opening remarks, Committee Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet noted that the Committee has so far engaged 34 counties, with Nyeri County marking the Committee’s 35th consultative meeting under the exercise.

Governor Kahiga, accompanied by CECM for Education Ms. Margaret Macharia and Chief Officer for Education Mr. Bernard Kiama, briefed the Committee on the County’s achievements, existing challenges, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening ECDE and vocational training programmes within Nyeri County.

The Committee was informed that the majority of ECDE centres within Nyeri County are domiciled within primary schools, while 57 centres operate as stand-alone institutions. The County further reported that ECDE teachers currently earn between KSh 27,290 for Assistant ECDE Teachers and KSh 37,120 for ECDE Teachers, in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) scheme of service.

Nyeri County also reported an average teacher-learner ratio of approximately 1:25, which Members of the Committee commended as favourable towards improving learning outcomes among ECDE learners.

During the session, Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar commended the County Government on its presentation and documentation. “I want to commend the Governor and your team on the meticulous documentation,” she stated.

The Senator further praised the County’s investment in play areas within ECDE centres but raised concerns regarding classroom furniture arrangements. “I appreciate the play areas established for learners. However, I note that the County has not fully adopted the approved ECDE furniture policy, particularly the use of hexagonal tables which ensure there are not more than six children per table. This remains the most critical stage of child development between the ages of 0 to 6 years,” she observed.

Governor Kahiga further informed the Committee that no parent within Nyeri County currently pays salaries for ECDE teachers, emphasizing the County Government’s commitment towards supporting the devolved education function.

However, concerns were raised regarding the absence of a County-supported school feeding programme. Sen. Kamar observed that the ECDE policy recognizes school feeding programmes as compulsory and cautioned against overreliance on parents to provide nutritional support for learners.

In response, Governor Kahiga noted that following the discontinuation of bursary allocations within the County, the County Government intends to redirect additional resources towards establishment of a school feeding programme. “Now that we have done away with bursaries within the County, we shall focus on allocating resources towards the school feeding programme,” he stated.

The Committee also deliberated on child care facilities and regulatory frameworks governing private centres. Sen. Seki Lenku sought clarification on whether the County supervises private childcare facilities, noting that Nyeri County currently lacks public childcare centres.

Governor Kahiga acknowledged that the County presently does not have a formal supervisory policy for childcare centres but affirmed that the matter remains under consideration.

Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma commended the County for adopting the SRC salary scheme of service for ECDE teachers and further lauded the favourable teacher-learner ratios within the County. He also sought clarification on the distribution of play equipment within ECDE centres and the regulatory framework governing private daycare facilities.

In response, Governor Kahiga informed the Committee that approximately KSh 8 million is distributed equally among ECDE centres for procurement of school equipment and learning materials.

The Committee also raised concerns regarding policy frameworks guiding implementation of ECDE, VTC, and childcare functions within the County. Sen. Catherine Mumma observed that policy remains a critical governance tool for planning, budgeting, and implementation of devolved functions.

“I have noted that Nyeri County does not yet have policies on ECDE, VTCs, and Child Care. County-specific policies are important governance tools as they guide implementation, budgeting, and planning,” she stated.

Sen. Mumma further observed that previous county allocations towards bursaries appeared significantly higher compared to allocations towards ECDE and VTC functions, which constitute core devolved mandates.

Responding to the concerns, Governor Kahiga acknowledged the importance of policy development within the County Government. “We do appreciate that policy is critical and we shall continue working towards strengthening these frameworks,” he stated.

CECM for Education Ms. Margaret Macharia informed the Committee that the County already has a Vocational Training Policy in place, while the ECDE policy is currently being customized and remains in draft form. She further noted that drafting of a Child Care policy is yet to commence.

On staffing, Governor Kahiga informed the Committee that the County is currently undertaking interviews for 19 additional ECDE teachers to address staffing gaps arising from retirement and attrition.

The Committee further discussed transition rates into vocational training institutions. Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar noted that transition rates to university within Nyeri County stand at approximately 24 percent against the National average of 22 percent, raising concerns regarding the remaining cohort of learners and whether they are transitioning into TVET institutions.

Governor Kahiga acknowledged that some transition figures may not be entirely accurate due to limitations in data tracking but affirmed that the County continues to monitor the trends for purposes of planning expansion of VTC infrastructure and programmes.

The Committee was also informed that the County Government of Nyeri currently operates five fully operational public libraries, which continue to serve as centres for literacy, learning, and community development.

On Vocational Training, the County reported that Nyeri currently operates 27 public Vocational Training Centres offering programmes including ICT, Hairdressing, Food and Beverage, Welding, Masonry, Electrical Installation, and Fashion and Design, among others. The artisan programmes are examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and National Vocational Certificate in Education and Training /Kenya National Examination Council (NAVCET/KNEC) and focus on competency-based hands-on training.

Governor Kahiga informed the Committee that some VTC graduates have successfully established businesses within and beyond Nyeri County following completion of training programmes.

However, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet raised concerns regarding low enrolment levels within VTCs despite the County having a substantial number of institutions. She further sought clarification on whether graduates receive start-up kits upon completion of training.

Governor Kahiga informed the Committee that the County continues collaborating with development partners to support provision of start-up kits to graduates.

Sen. Catherine Mumma observed that Vocational Training Institutions continue to face stigma, noting that some courses currently offered remain similar to those offered decades ago. “If counties rethink the skills currently demanded in the market and introduce more attractive and innovative programmes, enrolment levels within VTCs are likely to improve,” she stated.

In response, Governor Kahiga affirmed the County’s commitment towards introducing more market-driven and innovative programmes aimed at attracting greater enrolment among young people.

The Committee also noted that Nyeri County’s VTCs are already contributing towards local production by manufacturing uniforms for county enforcement officers, firefighters, and ECDE furniture including tables used within learning institutions.

Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma further emphasized the importance of innovation in promoting literacy and reading culture, particularly through expansion of library services across communities.

In her closing remarks, Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet commended the County Government for its openness and constructive engagement with the Committee. “We have had a lot to learn from your presentation. We thank the Governor and his team for the great conversation and comprehensive discussion around ECDE and VTC implementation,” she stated.

In his final remarks, Governor Kahiga thanked the Senate Committee for the engagement and reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment towards strengthening ECDE and Vocational Training programmes within Nyeri County. “We appreciate the Senate for reminding us of our role and responsibilities as County Governments, and we remain committed towards improving TVETs and equipping our youth with relevant skills,”he concluded.

Senator James Murango was also present during the session.