Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in West Pokot County have secured a significant procedural victory in their ongoing legal dispute with the county government after the Employment and Labour Relations Court directed that the matter proceed to full hearing.
During proceedings held on May 18, 2026, under Judicial Review No. E005 of 2025, the court reaffirmed the validity of the teachers’ case and rejected attempts by the employer to halt the proceedings on grounds that an earlier related matter had allegedly been withdrawn.
The court noted that the employer had previously been ordered to file a response within 14 days but failed to comply with the directive. When the matter came up for mention, lawyers representing the county government sought to stop the proceedings, arguing that the dispute had already been addressed through an earlier case.
However, the court ordered that the original file be produced for verification before making its determination.
Upon reviewing the file, the court established that a consent signed by both parties had already been adopted as a court order, effectively elevating the agreement from a private arrangement into a legally binding instrument enforceable by law.
In its ruling, the court declared that the judicial review application was properly before it and should proceed to substantive hearing. The employer was once again directed to file its response within 14 days.
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The matter is now scheduled for hearing on July 20, 2026, with judgment expected thereafter.
Long-Standing ECDE Teachers’ Grievances
The dispute stems from long-running complaints by ECDE teachers in West Pokot over delayed salaries, inconsistent implementation of employment terms, and inadequate allowances.
Teachers have repeatedly raised concerns over financial hardship caused by salary delays, disparities in treatment compared to other education sector employees, and poor implementation of agreed benefits.
Many educators working in remote parts of the county have also cited difficult working conditions, long travel distances, and unstable employment terms as major challenges affecting service delivery.
Although several administrative efforts have been made to address the grievances, the issues remained unresolved, prompting the union to pursue legal enforcement through the courts.
Salary and Allowance Disputes at the Centre of Case
Under the current ECDE compensation framework, certificate holders earn an estimated monthly basic salary of between Ksh16,000 and Ksh22,500, while diploma holders earn between Ksh27,000 and Ksh35,000. Degree holders can earn upwards of Ksh34,000 depending on grading and years of service.
The dispute also touches on allowances including house allowance, commuter allowance, hardship allowance for teachers serving in ASAL regions such as West Pokot, medical cover, leave allowance, responsibility allowance, gratuity, and pending salary arrears.
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Union officials argue that although the salary structures exist on paper, implementation has remained inconsistent across counties, leading to disputes over arrears, hardship classification, and delayed salary adjustments.
Union Welcomes Court Direction
The union’s Secretary General, Joseph Opiyo, welcomed the court’s decision, saying the ruling reinforces the principle that a consent adopted by a court becomes binding law and cannot be ignored by either party.
He said the latest direction from the court demonstrated that the employer could no longer evade compliance with obligations already formalized through the judicial process.
Opiyo further urged ECDE teachers to remain patient and united as the matter moves toward final determination.
Meanwhile, KUNNOPET West Pokot County Secretary Joseph Sarich said teachers in the county remained committed to maintaining stability and service delivery while awaiting the court’s final verdict.
He called on all parties involved to respect judicial authority and allow due process to take its course.
The county government was represented in court by Solicitor Philip Magal, who appeared on behalf of the employer during the proceedings.
By Hillary Muhalya
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