By Enock Okong’o
Hundreds of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers who were employed by Kisii County in 2014 on contract have been absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Speaking at Farmers Training Centre (FTC), Kisii County Governor James Ongwae said the teachers will see their salaries increased.
Teachers with a degree in ECDE will see their salaries rise to more than double from as low as Ksh14,000 to Ksh39,770 per month.
Diploma holders will pocket an enhanced salary package of Ksh37,730 compared to their previous salary of Ksh10,000 per month.
Teachers contracted with a certificate in ECDE will pocket Ksh23,090 compared to Ksh10,000 they previously pocketed.
While handing the letters, Governor Ongwae said he was determined to see the teachers he employed in 2014 are absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms.
“I contracted 1,000 ECDE teachers and I am happy to leave them permanently employed in their jobs,” he said.
Governor Ongwae implored the teachers to remain devoted in molding the tender children because ECDE is a critical foundation in their lives.
“In this early stage our children’s lives, you lay the foundation of their future therefore this calls for a lot caution and empathy,” he said.
Ms Alice Bonareri who has been teaching in a public primary school for a paltry Ksh2,000 per month was overjoyed with the good news.
Bonareri thanked the county government for the gesture as it will boost their morale to improve the county’s education standards.
“I am happy now that I can apply for a bank loan with ease using my payslip and this will uplift mine and other teachers’ social and economic standards,” she said.
Kisii County Executive Secretary to the Cabinet in Education and Manpower Development Mr. Andama Nyamoko promised that the county will continue recruiting ECDE teachers when necessary.
Nyamoko encouraged qualified but unemployed ECDE teachers not to lose hope but instead continue practicing in their local schools on voluntary or contract terms as they wait for opportunities to arise.
