- Education stakeholders say the recruitment will strengthen foundational learning and address teacher shortages in ECDE centres.
- The county has allocated Sh211.2 million to recruit teachers, replace staff and support vocational education.
- Parents say the additional teachers will improve learning outcomes and the quality of early childhood education.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the Kericho County Government’s decision to recruit 210 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, saying the exercise represents a major investment in children’s education while creating employment opportunities for trained teachers.
The vacancies account for nearly half of the 468 positions advertised by the County Public Service Board, making education the largest beneficiary of the county’s latest recruitment exercise.
Education experts noted that increasing teacher numbers is critical as enrolment in ECDE centres continues to rise.
“Recruiting more ECDE teachers is one of the most effective ways of improving foundational learning because children receive greater individual attention during their formative years,” said education analyst Samuel Koech.
County data shows ECDE enrolment increased from 36,781 learners in 2017 to 43,368 in 2022 following the expansion of school infrastructure.
However, the county continues to face a teacher shortage, with one teacher serving an average of 38 learners instead of the recommended 25.
County invests in early learning
The county has allocated Sh211.2 million under its 2025/2026 Annual Development Plan to recruit the teachers, replace existing staff and strengthen vocational education.
It also plans to equip 900 ECDE centres with desks, chairs and textbooks while continuing teacher training programmes.
Parents welcomed the recruitment, saying it would directly benefit learners.
“We are happy because more teachers mean our children will receive better care and quality education during their early learning years,” said Jackline Kirui.
Florence Langat said the county was investing wisely by prioritising education.
“Supporting ECDE is investing in the future of our children. We appreciate the county government for creating jobs while strengthening education,” she said.
Recruitment applications open
The county has also expanded digital learning programmes, with thousands of learners already using tablets in classrooms and more than 1,000 teachers expected to undergo ICT and e-learning training.
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Applicants have been encouraged to apply through the County Public Service Board’s online recruitment portal. The board has assured candidates of a transparent, fair and merit-based recruitment process while encouraging applications from women, youth, persons with disabilities and members of marginalised communities.
By Kimutai Langat
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