Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) has issued a warning to county governments regarding their recent actions to demote Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and pay them salaries that do not align with the directive from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The National Chairman of the Union, Lawrence Otunga, informed Education News that despite some county governments providing reasonable compensation to these teachers, a significant number have disregarded the recent SRC directive on the remuneration of ECDE teachers, resulting in reduced salaries for some of them.
Otunga expressed concern over the unlawful demotion of ECDE teachers, emphasizing that many are suffering in silence.
“For instance, a group of ECDE teachers in Kitui had their salaries unlawfully reduced, and some were given an ultimatum by their senior officers to either accept the new terms or resign,” the Chairman lamented.
He further highlighted that the union has identified several such cases, and the leadership will convene to decide when to take legal action against such employers.
According to Otunga, the recent circular from the SRC clearly outlines the job groups for ECDE teachers.
He emphasized that employment by counties is not a favor but a right protected by the Early Childhood Education Act of 2021.
“The union will continue to advocate for improved salaries for all ECDE teachers in Kenya, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that ECDE teachers are paid uniform salaries based on their qualifications,” the Chairman stated.
Additionally, he mentioned that some counties, including Bomet, Nandi, Vihiga, and Baringo, have imposed unfair employment terms on teachers.
“Baringo stands out as having the lowest-paying ECDE teachers in Kenya,” Otunga noted.
Moreover, he pointed out a positive example in Kericho County, where the Governor fulfilled a promise to convert teachers’ employment from contract to permanent status.
“As a result, Kericho’s ECDE teachers are now in the correct job groups, earning decent salaries, and experiencing an improved quality of life,’ the Chairman said.
He noted that more than 900 teachers in Kericho have joined KUNOPPET.
By Hezron Roy
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