The Baringo County government has transitioned 1,588 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers across its seven sub-counties to permanent and pensionable terms, fulfilling a long-standing campaign pledge by Governor Benjamin Cheboi dating back to 2013.
During a ceremony at Kabarnet Social Hall, Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Kimaiyo officiated the issuance of confirmation letters, praising the teachers for their patience during the 11 years they served under contract. He emphasized that their dedication and perseverance had yielded positive results worth celebrating.
Improved Terms for Teachers
The deputy governor, joined by County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony and several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), highlighted the substantial salary increase for the teachers. Salaries have been raised from under KSh10,000 to KSh24,000 per month, a move expected to enhance their ability to deliver foundational education to young learners across the county.
“These teachers play a critical role in shaping the early development of our children. Starting right is essential to our county’s success,” said Eng. Kimaiyo.
To align with modern education standards, the county administration has provided competency-based curriculum training for the teachers and plans to enroll them in free ICT training during school holidays to ensure they adapt to the digital era.
Support for Learners and Expansion Plans
Eng. Kimaiyo urged the county assembly to expedite the enactment of the County Meals and Nutrition Bill, 2024, which is currently at the public participation stage. The bill aims to boost school enrollment, particularly for learners from underprivileged backgrounds who struggle to attend school due to lack of food.
County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony called for reforms in county bursary policies, suggesting that funds be allocated to support ECDE and vocational training tutors. He also acknowledged a deficit of 622 ECDE teachers in the county, emphasizing the need for their recruitment on permanent and pensionable terms in the next financial year to fully operationalize all centers.
Training Requirements for Contract Teachers
Chepkwony issued a one-year deadline for the 177 untrained ECDE teachers currently under contract to acquire the necessary qualifications, warning that failure to do so would result in termination of their contracts.
Recognition for Retired Teachers
Michael Chebon, chair of the county assembly’s education committee, assured retired ECDE teachers that they would receive gratuity payments in recognition of their contributions, despite not benefiting from the recent employment terms improvement.
The move to solidify the employment terms for ECDE teachers marks a significant step toward strengthening foundational education in Baringo County while addressing the welfare of educators.
