The Senate Committee on Education has commended the Machakos County Government for its Youth Service Program, even as it raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The Committee, chaired by Nominated Senator Betty Montet and accompanied by Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and Nominated Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, said the county has made positive strides through the Machakos Youth Service Program.

The team noted that Kyamutheke VTC is well equipped and effectively serving youth, currently hosting 200 learners under the program. The program has enrolled 1,700 youths distributed across various VTCs in the county.

The Senators praised Governor Wavinya Ndeti for the initiative, describing it as a key intervention in tackling youth unemployment and idleness, and urged the county to scale up funding to increase beneficiaries from 1,700 to at least 3,000.

However, the Committee expressed concern over the state of other devolved institutions, for instance Kalumoni VTC, where enrollment has dropped sharply from 124 learners in 2024 to just 17.

Senator Kinyua said only three students were found in an electrical course at the VTC, with the facility lacking basic tools and equipment for practical training. Instructors said some learners were out on attachment.

The decline was attributed to financial constraints, and while area MCAs and county bursaries supported learners in 2024, many have since dropped out due to inability to pay fees.

On ECDE, Kavindu described the centres as wanting, noting that only one county-employed teacher manages three ECDE classes, forcing parents to hire an additional teacher.

She also flagged poor learning conditions, with playgroup pupils sleeping on uncomfortable bedding during nap time and called for separate classrooms for playgroup to allow PP1 and PP2 learners to concentrate on studies.

Senator Montet on her part said the oversight exercise has so far covered 30 counties, with assessments in the remaining counties set to be completed soon.

By Anne Kangero