Lusaka to recruit more ECDE teachers, VCT instructors

Bungoma County has embarked on a process to recruit more Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers to enhance the ratio of teachers to learners.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka's administration has also rolled out plans to hire more Vocational Training Centre (VTC) instructors to curb staff shortage in the county institutions.

The county chief has underscored the importance of early childhood education and skills development at county polytechnics saying they remain a core mandate of devolved units.

Speaking at ACK Chebukube Secondary School in Cheptais, Mt Elgon, Lusaka said the move is aimed at strengthening foundational learning and equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance.

 “As a county, we are committed to investing in our human capital. The recruitment of ECDE teachers and vocational instructors is not optional; it is our constitutional responsibility and a key pillar in empowering our youth,” he stated.

During the visit, the governor announced a major water connectivity project at the school, a development expected to address longstanding water shortages at the institution while extending benefits to the surrounding community.

Lusaka, who also serves as the Western region coordinator for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, used the occasion to rally Mt Elgon residents to support the President’s reelection. He cited ongoing and completed development projects in the region as evidence of the government’s commitment to transformation.

“Our region is already witnessing tangible progress through key development initiatives. I urge residents to stand firmly behind the President to ensure continuity and acceleration of these gains,” Lusaka said.

Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany said education is the key and called on parents to embrace it and support their children.

"The rate of teenage pregnancy at St. Aquinas Chesikaki has come down and as stakeholders, we need to continue creating awareness and enlightening the students on the importance of education," she said.

Mbatiany encouraged learners to work smart, saying, “everyone has the potential to become anything you want in life." She told leaders to give those elected ample time to finish their work and "we support the president and the governor to complete projects they have initiated,” she noted.