Trans nzoia: The senate committee on education has stressed its commitment to ensuring that Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the country are more strengthened. Speaking in Trans Nzoia County during an oversight visit focused on human resource management, the Committee, led by Senator Betty Montet and Vice Chair Prof Margaret Kamar, emphasized the importance of promoting holistic development and equipping the next generation with relevant skills.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Committee outlined the need for counties to prioritize increasing the number of ECDE and VTCs to ensure that more beneficiaries are catered for. Senator Kamar highlighted the importance of skill-based education and expressed concern that the transition rate from secondary schools to universities remains low in some counties. In Trans Nzoia County, the transition rate stands at 20 percent, underscoring the need for alternative educational pathways.
Kamar urged parents and guardians to support their children in enrolling for technical training, which provides a reliable path to employment and entrepreneurship. She emphasized that every child deserves a chance to learn a skill, whether they proceed to university or not, as VTCs offer them direction and dignity. Kamar also pointed out the importance of investing heavily in early childhood education, as this is when a child's potential begins to show.
The Committee applauded Trans Nzoia County for its achievements in improving ECDE and VTCs. The county's move to absorb ECDE teachers on Permanent and Pensionable terms was described as a game changer, providing motivation for educators. The Committee noted the emergence of more ECDE centres in Trans Nzoia County between 2022 and 2025 as a significant development.
Governor George Natembeya, who was present, assured the Senate team of his administration's commitment to strengthening the county's education sector. He revealed that starting in the 2025-2026 Financial Year, tuition in VTCs will be free. Other members of the Committee present included Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and Taita Taveta counterpart Johnes Mwaruma.