The Senate Committee on Education, led by Nominated Senator Betty Montet, has praised the Machakos County Government for its Youth Service Program, citing its positive impact on youth employment and idleness. The committee, which includes Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, and Nominated Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, visited the county to assess the program's progress. They found that the program has enrolled 1,700 youths across various Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the county.
The committee noted that Kyamutheke VTC is well-equipped and effectively serving youth, with 200 learners currently under the program. They praised Governor Wavinya Ndeti for the initiative, describing it as a key intervention in tackling youth unemployment. However, the committee urged the county to scale up funding to increase beneficiaries from 1,700 to at least 3,000. This, they believe, will enable more youths to acquire skills and gain employment.
Despite the success of the Youth Service Program, the committee expressed concern over the state of other devolved institutions, including Kalumoni VTC. They found that enrollment had dropped sharply from 124 learners in 2024 to just 17. Senator Kinyua observed that only three students were found in an electrical course at the VTC, with the facility lacking basic tools and equipment for practical training.
The decline in enrollment at Kalumoni VTC was attributed to financial constraints, with many learners dropping out due to inability to pay fees. Although area MCAs and county bursaries supported learners in 2024, the support was not sustained, leading to a significant drop in enrollment. The committee called for increased funding to support learners and improve infrastructure at VTCs.
The committee also raised concerns over the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres in the county. Senator Kavindu described the centres as wanting, noting that only one county-employed teacher manages three ECDE classes. This has forced parents to hire an additional teacher to support the learners. She also flagged poor learning conditions, with playgroup pupils sleeping on uncomfortable bedding during nap time.
Senator Montet noted that the oversight exercise has so far covered 30 counties, with assessments in the remaining counties set to be completed soon. The committee's findings will inform policy decisions aimed at improving education and vocational training in the country. They emphasized the need for collaboration between the county government, national government, and stakeholders to address the challenges facing ECDE and VTCs.
The Senate Committee on Education will present its findings and recommendations to the relevant authorities, with the aim of improving the quality of education and vocational training in Kenya. The committee's visit to Machakos County is part of its broader mandate to assess the implementation of education policies and programs across the country. By doing so, they hope to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
Key points
- The Senate Committee on Education has praised the Machakos County Government's Youth Service Program for its positive impact on youth employment.
- The committee has raised concerns over the state of Early Childhood Development Education centres and Vocational Training Centres in the county.
- The committee has urged the county government to scale up funding for the Youth Service Program to increase beneficiaries.
