Education stakeholders in Baringo have expressed joy and relief following the employment of 1,600 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
For many teachers, the decision ends years of uncertainty under contract employment and signals a new chapter for early childhood education in the county.
“This is a dream come true for many of us. We have served diligently for years without job security. Now we can concentrate fully on teaching and nurturing young learners,” said an ECDE teacher.
Another teacher noted that the move would improve retention in the sector.
“Some of our colleagues left because they could not continue working under short-term contracts. Permanent employment will motivate teachers and improve learning outcomes for children,” the teacher said.
Parents welcome the move
Parents also welcomed the announcement, saying they had for years shouldered additional costs to sustain ECDE programmes.
“We have been contributing money to support teachers and other activities in schools. This decision is a huge relief for parents because it reduces some of the financial pressure we have been facing,” said a parent from Mukutani.
Governor highlights education investments
Speaking at Mukutani Primary School grounds in Baringo South, Governor Benjamin Cheboi said education remains a key pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
“We are committed to investing in education and skills development from the earliest stages to technical training that guarantees employability,” he said.
The governor highlighted investments made in ECDE centres, vocational training institutions, bursary programmes, and digital learning initiatives across the county.
As part of efforts to align learning with modern technological demands, Cheboi said the county government is introducing digital literacy programmes in more than 500 ECDE centres.
“The county government is implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in all ECDE centres and providing curriculum designs alongside other essential instructional materials to strengthen teaching and learning,” he said.
Peace and resettlement efforts
Cheboi also cited progress in peace-building efforts, noting that improved security had enabled many displaced families to return home and rebuild their livelihoods.
“I urge all of us to support conservation measures and strengthen our collective efforts to sustain peace and peaceful co-existence across the county,” he said.
The governor added that internally displaced persons in Mukutani Location had been successfully resettled through partnerships involving the county government, the Kenya Red Cross, and the World Food Programme.
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Education stakeholders expressed optimism that the confirmation of the teachers would strengthen learning outcomes, improve staff retention, and enhance the quality of early childhood education across Baringo County.
By Kimutai Langat
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