The Senate Education Committee, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today held a high-level consultative meeting at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, with the Governor of Vihiga County, H.E. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, to deliberate on the status of implementation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the County.

The Governor was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Anne Desma, alongside technical officers including the Director ECDE and Director VTC.

In his opening remarks, Governor Ottichilo appreciated the opportunity to engage with the Committee, noting, “We are happy to be here today and, as a County, we appreciate the mandate of the Senate in ensuring the effective implementation of ECDE and VTCs across the country.”

The Committee commended the County for achieving an ECDE enrolment of 37,335 learners, with the Chairperson observing that the figure is notable given the absence of informal settlements in the county. Members were informed that the County has 415 public ECDE centres/classrooms, 237 feeder centres and 97 private centres with facilities largely hosted within primary schools or operating as stand-alone units.

However, concerns were raised regarding infrastructure gaps. Vice Chair Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar, emphasized the need for improved learning environments, stating that the Committee is keen on ensuring adequate play areas and sanitation facilities for young learners. The Director ECDE acknowledged these gaps, noting that while classrooms have been expanded to include stores and offices, many centres still lack proper sanitation facilities and play equipment, underscoring the need to fully align with the pre-primary education policy.

The cost of ECDE infrastructure also came under scrutiny, with Members questioning the reported average construction cost of Ksh. 1.84 million per classroom. The area Senator, Godfrey Osotsi sought clarity on the variance compared to lower costs under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), while Sen. Seki Lenku urged the County to renegotiate costs through its public works department and benchmark with other counties.

Sen. Catherine Mumma further sought clarification on the County’s long-term planning, including the projected number of learners requiring ECDE services, the existence of policy frameworks guiding ECDE implementation, and the number of ECDE centres constructed during the Governor’s tenure.

Similarly, Sen. Nderitu Kinyua emphasized the need to adhere to national standards, noting that the national pre-primary education policy provides specific classroom dimensions. He also sought clarification on whether parents are required to pay fees in ECDE centres and raised concerns over the reduction in scholarship allocations.

In response, Governor Ottichilo acknowledged the concerns, attributing the current infrastructure costs to prevailing Bills of Quantities, but expressed openness to reviewing the figures.

On policy and governance, the Committee sought clarity on the existence of guiding frameworks. CECM Anne Desma highlighted that the County has enacted the Vihiga ECDE Act, 2020 and developed a school feeding programme policy, with plans underway to roll out the feeding programme in the second term of the 2026 school calendar. She further noted that the County is in the process of developing a childcare policy.

The Committee also raised concerns regarding governance structures, particularly the absence of independent Boards of Management for ECDE centres. The Governor clarified that ECDE centres are currently managed under primary school structures but agreed on the need to formalize arrangements to strengthen oversight.

On financing, the County confirmed that no official fees are charged in public ECDE centres, although parents support programmes through locally agreed arrangements with school management. The County continues to shoulder key responsibilities, including remuneration of ECDE teachers, provision of learning materials, and infrastructure development.

Further discussions focused on teacher welfare, with Sen. Johnnes Mwaruma raising concerns over the delayed implementation of the scheme of service for ECDE teachers. The Governor cited budgetary constraints but reaffirmed the County’s commitment to align with recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

On Vocational Training Centres, the Committee noted that the County currently has 34 VTCs with an enrolment of 3,809 trainees, a figure that has been on a downward trend. Members raised concerns over low enrolment, lack of transition data from secondary to tertiary institutions, and absence of startup support for graduates. The Governor acknowledged these challenges, confirming that the County is yet to implement startup tool support for graduates but plans to provide capitation of Ksh. 15,000 per student per year in line with policy.

Additionally, the Committee emphasized the need for inclusive education, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWDs). CECM Anne Desma confirmed that the County is taking steps to incorporate PWD instructors within VTCs to enhance inclusivity.

In her closing remarks, the Chairperson, Sen. Montet, underscored the importance of the inquiry, stating, "ECDE is the foundation of our children’s development, and it is critical that we undertake a thorough review to strengthen its implementation across all counties.”

Governor Ottichilo, on behalf of the County, expressed appreciation for the engagement and committed to addressing the gaps identified, including submitting additional information where required.

Senator Agnes Kavindu Muthama was also present at the meeting.