Governor George Natembeya unveiled a transformative vision for education in Trans-Nzoia County, placing a significant emphasis on growth, development, and overall well-being, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors in his second State of the County address at the County Assembly.
Acknowledging progress, Governor Natembeya highlighted the current state of early childhood development (ECD) centers, indicating 437 centers with an enrollment of 37,745 pupils and 791 staff. However, he recognized a shortfall of 719 teachers to achieve the UNESCO-recommended teacher-child ratio of 1:25.
To bridge this gap, the county plans to employ 133 teachers in the current fiscal year and replace 25 teachers through natural attrition. The administration is also committed to considering teachers with disabilities in future hiring. In an effort to enhance education quality, the county aims to supply teaching and learning materials worth KES 3 million to all 434 ECD centers. However, Governor Natembeya acknowledged the need to increase the budgetary allocation to KES 34 million for adequate material provision, with plans to achieve this in the coming financial year.
The School Milk Programme, implemented in the last fiscal year, proved successful despite initial challenges. Piloted in 102 ECD centers, it demonstrated increased enrollment, improved nutritional indicators, and reduced absenteeism and truancy. In the fiscal year 2023/24, KES 70 million has been allocated to expand the program to all 434 ECD centers, with the procurement process underway.
Governor Natembeya also highlighted progress in improving the learning environment, with the completion of 23 modern twin classrooms in various wards. Looking ahead, the county aims to implement a program providing child-friendly ablution blocks and toilets for teachers in all ECD centers. The ultimate goal is to establish county ECDs as choice learning centers of excellence, equipped with playgrounds and other pedagogical provisions.
In addressing challenges in vocational training, the county is focused on addressing funding, equipment, and staffing issues. Plans include employing additional technical staff and technicians to improve the trainee-instructor ratio and specializing each Vocational Training Center in a specific craft. The county aims to provide quality training and startup kits for graduates.
Governor Natembeya concluded by reaffirming the county’s commitment to supporting students through the Elimu Bursary Program. A total of KES 150.5 million has been allocated in the fiscal year 2023/24 to benefit over 11,950 beneficiaries. The program targets needy students scoring above 250 marks, ensuring continuous support from form one to form four for day school students, and extending financial assistance to students in colleges, universities, and vocational training centers.
