The Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNNOPET) has escalated its legal battle to secure fair pay for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, filing a judicial review against West Pokot County following a breach of a court-sanctioned salary agreement.
Earlier this year, KUNNOPET secured a court-brokered consent compelling the county to pay full basic salaries starting January 2025, with allowances from July. However, the county delayed payments until February; a setback official attributes to bureaucratic processes, and has yet to remit the stipulated allowances.
“Court orders are not suggestions. We will pursue all legal remedies to ensure justice for our teachers.” Said Samwel Opiyo, KUNNOPET National Secretary-General, speaking to Education News via phone.
Opiyo emphasized that ECDE teachers would fight for their rights through lawful means, not industrial unrest.
“For too long, ECDE teachers have been treated as second-class educators in their own classrooms. Justice delayed is justice denied — and this union will stand firm until every county honours the law and pays our teachers what they deserve.”
Opiyo added that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) mandates a uniform pay structure for ECDE teachers based on qualifications, including house and commuter allowances: Qualification Job Group Basic (Ksh) House Commuter Total Gross: Certificate G 23,700–31,450 3,850 4,000 34,450–42,200, Diploma H 26,900–35,380 5,000 4,000 46,700–56,690, Degree K 39,700–52,960 8,133 5,000 61,200–74,460
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Despite SRC directives, some counties continue to pay below Ksh 20,000, often neglecting allowances — a move the union describes as illegal and demoralizing..
The West Pokot case highlights the ongoing challenge of county non-compliance. KUNNOPET has now filed a judicial review seeking to compel the county to honor the earlier court agreement and is also pursuing contempt of court charges.
“We represent teachers who dedicate their lives to educating young children. It is unacceptable for the county to ignore lawful court orders.” Opiyo said
At a union briefing in Kapenguria, Sarich Joseph, West Pokot County Executive Secretary, urged teachers to resist unprotected strikes.
“We chose the path of law, not chaos. Our teachers must resist pressure to strike. The court has already spoken, and we shall follow its direction.”
He warned that continued county defiance would result in further court action for contempt.
The union officials reminded teachers that while strikes are constitutionally protected, they must be sanctioned by the union.
“Teachers must follow the law to the letter. Unlawful strikes expose members to disciplinary action. We must let the law work for us.” Opiyo said
“We teach with hope, not pay. But hope alone can’t feed our children.” ECDE teacher, West Pokot County said
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Across West Pokot and other counties, ECDE teachers spoke under anonymity about their struggles:
“I report to school every day because of the children, not the salary. Sometimes I borrow fare to get to school. The pay delays are painful, but we hold on because teaching is our calling.” A teacher said
“When the SRC announced new pay scales, we were excited. But our county ignored it. We earn less than people doing casual jobs in town, yet we are professionals.” He added
The teacher allude that despite education qualifications, payslips reads like of a casual worker.
“I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, but my pay slip reads like that of a casual worker. We only want the law to be applied equally. It’s sad when you have to choose between buying chalk and buying food. That’s why we support the union’s legal action — we’re fighting for survival.”
They added that they struggle so much to balance between teaching and living a dignified life as they have needs and family looking up to them.
“We, as ECDE teachers, have children in high school, colleges, and universities. Our children watch us wake up early and serve faithfully, yet they live modestly because our pay is not enough. We want to give them decent lives — that’s why we’re fighting for justice.”
The dispute underscores broader challenges in Kenya’s devolved education system, where teacher welfare depends on county priorities rather than national policy. KUNNOPET insists that both the SRC and the Council of Governors ensure uniform salary compliance across all counties.
“This is not about charity — it’s about dignity. The teacher who shapes a child’s first understanding of the world should not live in poverty.” Opiyo said
“We are not asking for sympathy — we are demanding justice.” Opiyo said
As the union pursues legal remedies, optimism grows among teachers that justice may finally prevail. KUNNOPET has vowed to continue pressing for full implementation of SRC’s 2023 circular and court directives.
“The future of this nation begins in ECDE classrooms, and those who nurture it must be treated with dignity,” Opiyo added
He asked teachers to remain calm and allow the rule of law to deliver decisive action.
By Hillary Muhalya
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