The Senate Education Committee has raised concern over the poor condition of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and vocational training institutions in Bomet County during an oversight visit across the region.
The committee, led by Chairperson Betty Montet and Vice Chairperson Margaret Kamar, toured Chemobei ECDE Centre, Sibayan ECDE Centre, Rerendet ECDE Centre and Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, where senators cited inadequate infrastructure, shortage of classrooms, poor sanitation facilities and lack of learning materials.
The senators were accompanied by Bomet County Executive Committee Member for Education, Youth, Sports and Vocational Training, Patrick Maritim; county education officials; and representatives from the Office of the Senator for Bomet County.
At Chemobei and Sibayan ECDE centres, the committee found learners sharing facilities following a land dispute affecting Sibayan ECDE Centre. Senators noted that some children were forced to sleep on desks due to lack of sleeping spaces and mattresses, while toilets were being shared with neighbouring primary schools.
Effectiveness of the county’s school feeding programme
Senator Nderitu Kinyua questioned the effectiveness of the county’s school feeding programme, saying learners were receiving only 200 millilitres of milk twice a week despite the county allocating significant funds to the initiative.
“As a Committee, we expected to see a more impactful feeding programme. Proper nutrition is essential in ensuring that children remain active, healthy and focused while in school,” said Kinyua.
Senator Ole Kanar Seki urged the county government to urgently improve learning conditions in ECDE centres.
“These children deserve dignity, protection and a conducive learning environment. ECDE must be accorded the seriousness it deserves,” said Seki.
At Rerendet ECDE Centre, the committee found learners studying inside a temporary store structure provided by the Rerendet Tea Buying Centre. Senators observed that the location exposed children to constant distractions from commercial activities taking place within the premises.
Land pending balance
The committee was informed that the county government had committed to purchasing land for the centre, but delayed payment of Sh500,000 to the landowner had led to learners being displaced from the intended site.
Senator Agnes Kavindu Muthama called on the county government to urgently clear the pending balance and secure a permanent learning space for the children.
“It is unacceptable for children to continue learning in a store facility due to delayed payments. Education must always remain a priority,” she said.
Chairperson Betty Montet directed the county government to settle the land payment within one month, warning that responsible officials could be summoned before the Senate if they fail to comply.
The committee later toured Emkwen Vocational Training Centre, where senators acknowledged ongoing improvements but noted the need for more investment in infrastructure, training equipment and learner support programmes.
Senator Johnnes Mwaruma encouraged trainees to embrace vocational education as a pathway to economic empowerment and job creation.
“Technical and Vocational Training remains one of the strongest tools for empowering young people economically. Learners should take advantage of these opportunities seriously,” said Mwaruma.
Vice Chairperson Margaret Kamar emphasized the need for Bomet County to strengthen investment in ECDE and vocational training programmes, particularly in infrastructure development and school feeding initiatives.
