Governor Ottichilo grilled over ECDE gaps and costly classrooms
By Mustafa Juma, March 31, 2026Vihiga County Governor Wilber Ottichilo, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, faced tough questions from senators over gaps in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) infrastructure and the rising cost of classrooms during a high-level meeting at Parliament Buildings.
The session, convened by the Senate Education Committee and chaired by Betty Montet, focused on the status of ECDE and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) implementation in Vihiga County.
Costly classrooms
A major sticking point during the meeting was the reported average construction cost of Ksh1.84 million per ECDE classroom.
Senators questioned the high figures, comparing them with lower costs achieved through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi sought clarification on the cost variance, while Seki Lenku urged the county to renegotiate construction costs and benchmark with other counties.
Governor Ottichilo attributed the costs to prevailing Bills of Quantities but signaled willingness to review the figures following the committee’s concerns.
Despite Vihiga recording an ECDE enrolment of 37,335 learners across 415 public centres, senators flagged critical shortcomings in infrastructure.
Inadequate play areas
Vice Chair Margaret Kamar raised concerns about inadequate play areas and poor sanitation facilities in many centres.
County officials acknowledged the gaps, noting that while efforts have been made to expand classrooms to include stores and offices, many centres still lack essential amenities such as proper sanitation and play equipment.
Lawmakers also pressed the county on long-term planning and policy frameworks guiding ECDE implementation.
Catherine Mumma sought details on projected enrolment, policy direction, and the number of centres constructed under the current administration.
Meanwhile, Nderitu Kinyua emphasised adherence to national standards, including classroom dimensions outlined in the pre-primary education policy.
He also raised concerns about whether parents are being charged fees in public ECDE centres.
In response, the county confirmed that no official fees are levied, although parents support programmes through locally agreed arrangements.
Vihiga County Executive Committee Member for Education Anne Desma told the committee that the county has enacted the Vihiga ECDE Act, 2020, and developed a school feeding programme policy.
She added that plans are underway to roll out the feeding programme in the second term of the 2026 school calendar, alongside efforts to develop a childcare policy.
However, senators raised concerns over governance structures, particularly the absence of independent boards of management for ECDE centres.
Governor Ottichilo acknowledged that ECDE centres are currently managed under primary school structures but agreed on the need to formalise oversight mechanisms.
Teacher welfare also featured prominently, with Johnnes Mwaruma raising concerns about delays in implementing a scheme of service for ECDE teachers.
Budgetary constraints
The governor cited budgetary constraints but reaffirmed the county’s commitment to align with recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
The committee also expressed concern over declining enrolment in Vihiga’s Vocational Training Centres, which currently stand at 3,809 trainees across 34 institutions.
Senators flagged the lack of transition data from secondary schools and the absence of startup support for graduates as key challenges.
Governor Ottichilo admitted that the county is yet to implement startup tool support for graduates, but revealed plans to introduce a capitation of Ksh15,000 per student annually to boost enrolment.
The issue of inclusivity was also raised, with the committee urging the county to integrate persons with disabilities into training programmes.
County officials confirmed that steps are being taken to recruit instructors for learners with disabilities in VTCs.
In her closing remarks, Senator Montet underscored the importance of strengthening ECDE systems nationwide.
“ECDE is the foundation of our children’s development, and it is critical that we undertake a thorough review to strengthen its implementation across all counties,” she said.
Governor Ottichilo pledged to address the issues raised and submit additional information where required, as senators intensify oversight on county education programmes.