- Nyamira says learning continues in public ECDE centres despite a strike notice by teachers.
- ECDE teachers are protesting low pay, contract terms and poor working conditions.
- County officials have urged teachers to abandon the strike threat and pursue dialogue.
Learning in public ECDE centres in Nyamira County is going on smoothly, County Education CEC Emily Ongaga has said, despite a strike notice issued by ECDE teachers.
Ms. Ongaga was responding to a recent notice from the Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) Nyamira Branch. The notice listed several grievances over poor pay and working conditions.
Teachers list their grievances
Chairman Kasmirl Mose, Secretary Eunice Momanyi and Treasurer Linet Nyakundi signed the notice. In it, the teachers decried the non-payment of salary increments that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommended back in March 2023.
They also cited low pay, ranging between Sh12,000 and Sh18,000, for diploma and certificate holders. Additionally, they raised concerns over the lack of permanent and pensionable employment, noting that some teachers have served more than five years on casual contracts without medical cover or pension.
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Furthermore, the teachers pointed to a lack of promotion for those who have upgraded their qualifications. They also decried poor working conditions, including a shortage of proper classrooms, desks and learning materials.
County downplays strike threat
However, Ms. Ongaga downplayed the strike, saying only a few teachers had declared their intention to walk out. She asked them to shelve their plans and embrace dialogue instead.
According to her, the county education office remains open for talks to address the concerns amicably. Finally, she assured parents that learning had not been disrupted in any public school.
By Enock Okong’o
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