The Senate Standing Committee on Education has called on Kericho County to strengthen the management and infrastructure of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and Vocational Training Institutions following concerns raised during the Committee’s ongoing oversight exercise within the County.

Led by Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet, the Committee conducted inspection visits to several ECDE centres and Vocational Training Centres accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Culture and Social Services Hon. Judith Chepkorir Chirchir, Members of the County Assembly Education Committee led by Chairperson Hon. David Maritim, and County Education Officials.

During the visits, Senators raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure, shortage of learning materials, absence of feeding programmes in some centres, and lack of independent management structures for ECDE institutions.

“As a Committee, we want to see ECDE learners studying in safe, child-friendly environments with proper classrooms, sanitation facilities, kitchens, playgrounds, and independent management structures separate from primary schools,” stated Sen. Montet.

The Committee observed that the majority of ECDE centres within the County continue to operate under neighbouring primary schools and lack their own Boards of Management, a situation Members noted affects effective administration and prioritization of ECDE-specific needs.

At Kachawir ECDE Centre, widely known after learners were previously forced to study under a tree at Kachawir Comprehensive School, Senators acknowledged the progress made in construction of classrooms. However, the Committee noted that the institution still faces shortage of desks and other essential learning facilities.

Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama called on the County Government to invest further in construction of additional classrooms and establishment of independent ECDE facilities.

“ECDE learners deserve safe, child-friendly spaces with adequate facilities and management structures specifically designed to support their learning and development,” stated Sen. Kavindu.

At Chepklon ECDE Centre, the Committee expressed concern over the absence of a County-supported feeding programme, noting that parents are currently sustaining the initiative through personal contributions.

Vice Chairperson Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar underscored the importance of school feeding programmes in enhancing concentration, attendance, and learning outcomes among children.

“School feeding programmes remain essential in Early Childhood Education. Counties must prioritize nutrition because children cannot learn effectively on an empty stomach,” observed Sen. Kamar.

The Committee later visited Kerego ECDE Centre, where Senators raised concern after noting that PP1 and PP2 classrooms are situated nearly 150 metres apart, a situation Members said poses challenges to learner safety and effective supervision.

Sen. Ole Kanar Seki urged County Officials and the County Assembly Education Committee to prioritize proper classroom planning to ensure young learners study within secure and organized learning environments.

“These children require spaces specifically designed for their safety, comfort, and learning. ECDE must be accorded the attention and independence it deserves,” emphasized Sen. Seki.

At Chepseon Vocational Training Centre, Senators acknowledged ongoing practical training activities within the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Departments but challenged the County Government to strengthen staffing levels and improve instructor support.

Sen. Nderitu Kinyua specifically called for the formal employment of a beauty instructor who has reportedly served at the institution for more than three years under Board of Management terms.

Meanwhile, Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma raised concern over the low number of men enrolling in tailoring and dressmaking courses despite the growing number of men actively engaged in tailoring businesses across towns and markets.

“We continue to see many men successfully operating tailoring businesses, yet very few are enrolling for training in these institutions. There is need to encourage more young people to embrace vocational training opportunities,” stated Sen. Mwaruma.

The Senator further applauded the institution for engaging a female trainer within the Electrical Department, noting that it demonstrated the importance of promoting gender inclusivity within technical fields traditionally perceived to be male-dominated.

Responding to the concerns raised during the oversight exercise, CECM Hon. Judith Chepkorir Chirchir assured the Committee that the County Government remains committed to addressing the challenges affecting ECDE centres and Vocational Training Institutions across Kericho County.