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By Isabella Maua
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has promised to employ more ECDE teachers in the quest to improve the education sector in the County.
Speaking during an inspection of ECDE class projects in Kaptama ward, Mt. Elgon, on Tuesday, Lusaka assured residents of his unending support for early learning across the county.
“It’s saddening that since the last batch of 2000 ECDE teachers I employed during my first regime, none have been added by the succeeding government; however, I’m back to passionately continue the legacy,” noted Lusaka.
The entourage led by area MCA Francis Chemion traversed five schools across the ward, namely: Kaptegaandet, Tulwo, Chebombai, Kamenjo, and Kaboywo.
Chemion lauded the governor for living up to his words and ensuring most parts of the area have streetlights to promote a 24-hour economy and improve security.
“Not only can we boast of light in most of our business centers here but also improved health services in our dispensaries, which we’re planning to upgrade progressively,” divulged Chemion.
County Education Chief Officer Nicholas Kiboi vowed to raise the standard of education right from its foundation so as to put Bungoma on the map.
“Last week the governor released 74 Million Shillings for bursaries and scholarships, which he’s very passionate about; we’re also pushing for more Vocational Training centers around this area,” mentioned Kiboi.
He further challenged parents and local administrators to mobilize youths to join VTCs because artisan courses are in high demand and offer certainty of employment.
Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany also supported the facilitation of boarding schools, especially for girls in the ward, decrying the high rate of teenage pregnancies currently in Mt. Elgon.
“To curb teenage pregnancies and protect our learners from gender-based violence mostly experienced among families residing along and adjacent to the forest, we shall support boarding school equipment,” pledged Mbatiany.
Lusaka, for his part, gave out 300,000 Shillings for purchasing beds and donated 180 ECDE seats for Kaboywo Primary School, which had the largest number of ECDE pupils at 175.
