Senate raises alarm over Kajiado ECDE staffing, food and learning materials gaps

The Senate Standing Committee on Education has expressed concerns regarding the condition of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in Kajiado County. During a recent visit on September 18, 2026, the committee inquired about staffing deficiencies, learning materials, nutrition, infrastructure, and the effectiveness of county government programs.

Led by Senator Betty Montet and Senator Margaret Kamar, the team visited Kajiado to assess ECDE centers and vocational training institutions, aiming to evaluate how county interventions are impacting learners. The inspection commenced with a meeting with Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku before examining ECDE centers in Moipei and Ole Lenku Township, as well as the Isinya Vocational Training Centre.

Senator Johnes Mwaruma expressed uncertainty about the funding and delivery of teaching and learning materials to ECDE centers, questioning whether the responsibility lies with the county government, parents, or external development partners. This inquiry came amid reports that learning materials allocated in previous financial years were not reaching all schools.

The committee emphasized the need for greater accountability in the procurement and distribution of learning materials to ensure that funds allocated to ECDE lead to visible improvements in classrooms.

Committee Chairperson Betty Montet also sought information on the county government's investment in ECDE. She emphasized that as a devolved function, ECDE requires substantial financial support from county governments. Montet aimed to understand how funds allocated to the sector translate into actual services, facilities, and learning opportunities for children.

The committee also questioned the utilization of ECDE funds, with Senator John Kinyua noting that while the county allocates money annually, insufficient evidence of some investments was apparent during the inspection. They sought explanations on how budgeted resources are converted into infrastructure, materials, and services at the centers.

Kajiado County Executive Committee Member for Education Janet Sereu explained that delays in implementing some education programs stem from lengthy procurement processes within the county government. Sereu clarified that while the county follows the established procurement framework, they are working to implement planned interventions.

She revealed that Kajiado has 626 ECDE centers across its wards and highlighted the significant role of Members of the County Assembly in developing these centers, prompting the Senate team to inquire about the respective responsibilities of the county executive and ward representatives in supporting ECDE facilities.

Staffing emerged as a critical issue during the inspection, with the committee raising concerns over discrepancies between the number of ECDE teachers listed in the county government's report and the actual personnel deployed to the inspected centers. The senators demanded reconciliation of these figures to determine whether the reported teacher numbers align with the ground reality and whether centers have adequate personnel to support learners.

Additionally, the provision of food to ECDE learners was scrutinized, with Senator Kanar Seki recalling that the county government previously provided porridge to ECDE learners during his tenure. Seki questioned the sustainability of relying on external organizations for a service directly affecting children's nutrition and learning, seeking clarification on the county government's role in meeting nutritional needs.

Senator Margaret Kamar also raised concerns over classroom overcrowding and inadequate play areas at some centers, stressing the importance of ECDE infrastructure supporting children's holistic development beyond classroom instruction.