Educationists call on counties to better working conditions for ECDE teachers

Educationists have called on county governments to improve the working conditions of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, saying that the educators have been neglected despite playing a critical role in the development of young children.

Led by Ann Kirui, the educationists questioned why the ECDE sector continues to be overlooked even though it was fully devolved to county governments.

Speaking in Kapsabet town, Kirui said ECDE teachers are the first caregivers for children in the education system and therefore deserve better pay and improved working conditions.

“ECDE teachers are the first caretakers of our children when they begin their education journey. They play a very important role in shaping their future and their working conditions should reflect that responsibility,” she said.

Kirui noted that many ECDE teachers are underpaid, with some earning salaries as low as Ksh15,000, which she said does not match the workload and responsibilities they carry.

“It is unfortunate that some ECDE teachers are earning as little as Ksh15,000 per month despite the huge responsibility of nurturing young learners. This is far below what they deserve,” she said.

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She also appealed to county governments to employ more ECDE teachers and promote those already in service to improve morale in the sector.

“A strong educational foundation is key to the development of children. We are urging county governments to hire more teachers and ensure those in service are promoted,” Kirui added.

Her sentiments were echoed by Mary Sang, who criticized county governments for sidelining ECDE teachers despite their importance in the education system.

Sang defended the teachers, saying they play a greater role in shaping learners compared to other levels of education.

“ECDE teachers contribute immensely to the development of children. In fact, they lay the foundation upon which all other levels of education are built,” she said.

She added that ECDE teachers deserve recognition and respect for the work they do.

“These teachers should be respected and supported by all means because the impact they have on children at that stage is very significant,” Sang said.

By Kimutai Langat