The Senate Committee on Education has praised Machakos County's Youth Service Program while raising alarms about the deteriorating conditions of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). Led by Nominated Senator Betty Montet, the committee included Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, and Nominated Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar. The group commended the county's efforts, highlighting the Kyamutheke VTC as well-equipped and serving 200 learners under the program, which has enrolled 1,700 youths across various VTCs. The senators credited Governor Wavinya Ndeti for addressing youth unemployment and urged increased funding to expand the program to 3,000 beneficiaries.
The committee expressed concern over declining enrollment and infrastructure at several VTCs. Kalumoni VTC, for instance, saw enrollment drop from 124 learners in 2024 to 17, with only three students in an electrical course and a lack of basic tools for training. Instructors noted some learners were on attachment, while financial constraints—despite 2024 support from local MCAs and county bursaries—led to recent dropouts. Senator Kinyua emphasized the need for urgent intervention to revive these centers. Meanwhile, Senator Kavindu criticized ECDE centers, citing overcrowded classrooms with one county-employed teacher managing three groups, forcing parents to hire additional staff. She highlighted poor conditions, including playgroup pupils sleeping on uncomfortable bedding, and called for separate classrooms to improve learning for younger children.
The committee's oversight mission has covered 30 counties, with assessments in the remaining regions expected soon, according to Senator Montet. The findings underscore broader challenges in devolved education and training systems, prompting calls for systemic reforms. While the Youth Service Program offers hope for youth empowerment, the decline in ECDE and VTCs risks undermining long-term human capital development. The report also noted an NGO donation of midwifery equipment in Baringo and Murang’a's achievement of Ksh1 billion in local revenue collection, though these were separate developments from the committee's primary focus.
The Senate Committee's report highlights the urgent need for balanced investment in both youth development and foundational education. As Machakos County seeks to scale its successful initiatives, addressing the crisis in ECDE and VTCs will be critical to ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners. The findings serve as a call to action for policymakers to prioritize resource allocation and infrastructure improvements in devolved institutions.