Lamu County Senator, Joseph Githuku, raised concerns about the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in his county during a session in the Senate on Wednesday. In a passionate address, the Senator sought a detailed report on the progress of education programs, particularly focusing on ECDE enrollment rates and the availability of resources in Lamu.
“The future of our children hinges on the quality of education they receive today,” Githuku asserted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive update on ECDE enrollment rates in the county, as well as the estimated costs necessary to improve infrastructure and provide adequate learning materials. He urged that this information cover the period from the 2022/2023 financial year to the present.
Githuku expressed concern over the allocation and use of funds, particularly for ECDE programs, County Vocational Training Centres, and the recently abolished County Bursaries and Scholarships. “We must understand how funds have been allocated and spent, particularly for ECDE programs, County Vocational Training Centres, and the scrapped County Bursaries and Scholarships,” Githuku stated. “Our children deserve nothing less than a well-funded and efficiently managed education system.”
The Senator stressed the urgent need to ensure that ECDE learning environments are properly resourced, calling on the Lamu County Government to act swiftly to fill gaps in the provision of teaching materials and facilities. “We must guarantee that our schools are equipped with the necessary teaching materials and facilities to foster a conducive learning atmosphere,” he insisted.
In addition to his demands regarding education, Senator Githuku raised an urgent matter regarding healthcare facilities in Lamu County. He called on the Standing Committee on Health to address the issue of non-operational dispensaries in the region. Despite the completion of construction, the Kiongwe and Mikinduni dispensaries remain closed, depriving residents of essential healthcare services.
“It is deeply concerning that these dispensaries, which are essential for the well-being of our communities, remain closed,” Githuku stated. “I am seeking a detailed explanation from the Committee on why these facilities are not operational and what concrete steps are being taken to resolve this issue.”
The Senator emphasized the need for both dispensaries to be fully staffed with qualified medical personnel and properly equipped with medical supplies. He urged the County Government to provide a clear timeline for when these dispensaries would be functional and able to serve the people effectively.
Githuku also referenced Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health. “Until these dispensaries are operational, the County Government must outline immediate measures to ensure residents of Kiongwe and Mikinduni have access to quality healthcare services,” he stressed.
The Senator’s calls for urgent reforms in education and healthcare underscore the pressing challenges facing Lamu County, and he has called on both the County Government and relevant committees to take immediate action to address these critical issues.
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