Machakos:The Senate Committee on Education has praised the Machakos County Government for the successes of its Youth Service Program, while also addressing significant concerns about the condition of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
According to Kenya News Agency, the Committee, led by Nominated Senator Betty Montet, with the participation of Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, and Nominated Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, acknowledged the positive impact of the Machakos Youth Service Program. The initiative has notably equipped Kyamutheke VTC, which currently accommodates 200 learners. Overall, the program has enrolled 1,700 youths across various VTCs in the county.
The Senators commended Governor Wavinya Ndeti for her leadership in addressing youth unemployment and inactivity through this program. They urged the county to increase funding to expand the program’s reach from 1,700 to at least 3,000 beneficiaries.
Despite these successes, the Committee voiced concerns about other devolved institutions, such as the Kalumoni VTC, where enrollment has plummeted from 124 in 2024 to just 17 students. Senator Kinyua noted that only three students were enrolled in an electrical course, and the facility lacked essential training tools. Financial difficulties were cited as a primary cause of this decline, with many students dropping out due to an inability to afford fees, despite previous support from area MCAs and county bursaries.
Regarding ECDE, Senator Kavindu pointed out that the centres are struggling, with one county-employed teacher managing three classes, necessitating parental involvement in hiring additional teachers. She also highlighted subpar learning conditions, such as inadequate bedding for playgroup pupils during nap times, and advocated for separate classrooms to better serve the needs of PP1 and PP2 learners.
Senator Montet added that the Committee’s oversight has covered 30 counties so far, with evaluations in the remaining counties expected to conclude soon.
