Kericho: Kericho County has launched an ambitious overhaul of its education sector, rolling out comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening learning from early childhood development centers to vocational training institutions. Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Governor at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, announced that the county government had confirmed 1,226 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, adding that the move not only recognised the invaluable role played by early educators but also aimed to ensure job security and professional stability for them.
According to Kenya News Agency, as part of the same reform agenda, the county has also constructed 75 new ECDE centres across its wards, significantly increasing access to early childhood education and reducing overcrowding in existing facilities. These centers are expected to offer a more conducive learning environment for young learners and help lay a strong foundation for future academic success.
In a further bid to localise and streamline education services, the Kericho Library has now been fully devolved. This milestone is set to bring library services closer to the people, enhancing access to books, digital content, and research materials, especially for learners in rural areas.
The county's reforms have also targeted secondary and tertiary education through robust bursary support and technical training programmes. To date, over Sh310 million in bursaries has been issued to needy students across the county, a lifeline that ensures education remains accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background.
Recognising the critical role of technical skills in driving economic development, Kericho County has expanded its Equaliser Vocational Training Scholarship Programme, which currently supports 4,700 students. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 learners graduated from county-sponsored vocational institutions.
To accommodate growing demand, new Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) are under construction in Londiani, Aldai, Sorget, Cheboin, and Kisiara wards, further decentralising access to practical, job-ready skills training.
Amid these achievements, Governor Mutai issued a heartfelt appeal to the national government to reinstate bursary funds that were recently halted by the Office of the Controller of Budget, warning that the withdrawal of this critical funding risks reversing gains made in inclusive education. 'We urge the national government to reconsider, as thousands of vulnerable students depend on this support to stay in school,' said Mutai.
Kericho County is setting a new standard for devolved governance by aligning political will with community needs, laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy. From early learning to vocational empowerment, its bold education reforms are not just improving access but reshaping the entire learning experience, creating opportunities and investing in a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation.