Governor for Trans Nzoia George Natembeya speaking during a session with senators in Kitale on October 23, 2025The Senate Committee on Education has hailed the County
Government of Trans Nzoia for implementing key reforms that have strengthened
early childhood (ECDE) and vocational training thus promoting both foundational
and skilled learning.
Speaking after a session with Governor George Natembeya and
county education officials in Kitale, committee chair Senator Betty Montet said
Trans Nzoia had achieved remarkable progress in the education sector since
2022.
“We are here to oversight the county government of Trans
Nzoia on matters ECDE and vocational training. The county has done
exceptionally well in expanding access to education and ensuring teachers are
on permanent and pensionable terms. That gives them stability to work and take
better care of the young ones,” Montet said.
She expressed satisfaction that the county administration
had constructed 32 Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), surpassing the minimum
threshold of 25 — one per ward as outlined in national education policy.
“This is commendable, given that early education lays the
foundation for lifelong learning,” she said, adding that more learners should
enroll in vocational training centres to acquire technical and practical
skills.
The senator praised Natembeya’s pledge to make learning in
all VTCs free beginning the next financial year.
“This is a bold step toward equitable education. Our goal is
to ensure that no child in Trans Nzoia misses school because of financial
constraints.” Natembeya said.
Committee Vice Chair Margaret Kamar lauded the county’s
rapid expansion of ECDE facilities, noting that 128 new centres have been built
between 2022 and 2025, doubling the number since the start of devolution.
“It is important that we start our children properly,” Kamar
said.
“The development of
the brain of a child happens between ages four and seven that is when we lay
the foundation for the kind of professionals our nation will have,” she said.
Kamar also commended the county’s investment in vocational
training through partnerships with Safaricom, Child Rescue Kenya, KCB Bank,
Dutch development partners, and Tools to Work, aimed at expanding training
opportunities and access to modern learning tools.
“The governor has gone beyond the minimum,” she said. “If we
don’t train our youth at that level, we risk having a population without skills
and direction.”
Governor Natembeya thanked the Senate committee for its
visit, saying it demonstrated that devolution is working.
“We appreciate the Senate’s oversight role and their
recommendations,” he said.
“We will continue to refocus our energies on ECDE and
vocational training the core devolved functions that directly impact our youth
and future workforce.” Natembeya said.
The committee is expected to compile a detailed report on
Trans Nzoia’s progress, with findings likely to inform national policy on
county-level implementation of early childhood and vocational education.
