Trans Nzoia County Government has reassured Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers that their qualifications remain valid following recent reforms by the Ministry of Education.
In a statement issued by the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Janerose Mutama, the county clarified concerns arising from a directive dated January 19, 2026, by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Basic Education Prof Julius Bitok, on the merger and re-designation of the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) into the Diploma in Teacher Education for Pre-Primary and Primary (DTE PP & P).
Mutama emphasized that all teachers trained, examined and certified under the DECTE and UDECTE programmes before the issuance of the directive remain fully qualified, legally recognised and compliant under the national framework that existed at the time.
“The directive is not retrospective and does not in any way invalidate or diminish the professional status of serving ECDE teachers,” the statement read.
The county official also assured that ECDE teachers currently employed by the county will continue serving in their positions and will not face termination, demotion or any form of disadvantage as a result of the reforms.
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On future training and recruitment, the she noted that it will strictly adhere to the Ministry of Education guidelines, adding that no new admissions into DECTE or UDECTE programmes will be recognised. All future recruitment will be based on the new Diploma in Teacher Education – Pre-Primary and Primary.
To ensure a smooth transition, Mutama said the county is engaging the National Government and relevant agencies to establish clear guidelines on upskilling, upgrading and career progression for ECDE teachers.
She further directed administrators, ECDE centre managers and education officers to comply fully with the issued county circular and to desist from actions that could cause anxiety, misinformation or discrimination against ECDE teachers.
The county reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding teachers’ rights, maintaining labour harmony and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality early childhood education services across Trans Nzoia.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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