Baringo County Employs 1,588 ECDE Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable Terms.
Baringo County has confirmed 1,588 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers from the seven sub-counties to permanent and pensionable employment.
The move fulfills a 2013 campaign pledge by Governor Benjamin Cheboi to enhance the welfare of staff and improve the over 1,000 ECDE centres in the county.
Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Kimaiyo, during the issuance of confirmation letters at Kabarnet Social Hall, commended the teachers for their resilience throughout the 11 years they served on contractual terms.
He noted that the journey had been challenging but was worth celebrating due to its positive outcome.
“These are the people who do early development for our children, and if we start wrong, then we are going to fail as a county,” he said.
Improved Salaries and Training Initiatives
The deputy governor highlighted the significant salary increment from less than Sh10,000 to Sh24,000 per month, which he said would empower the teachers to deliver quality foundational education across the county.
He emphasized that these educators play a crucial role in shaping early childhood development, noting the importance of starting on the right footing for the county’s future success.
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Kimaiyo also revealed that the county administration had trained the teachers to align with the competency-based curriculum (CBC) and was enrolling them for free ICT training during holidays to equip them with digital skills required in modern education.
The deputy governor called on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to expedite the County Meals and Nutrition Bill, 2024, which is currently at the public participation stage.
He stated that the bill’s implementation would enhance learner enrolment, particularly among children from disadvantaged backgrounds who often miss school due to food insecurity.
Calls for Policy Reforms
County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony urged a revision of county bursary policies to redirect funds towards improving the welfare of ECDE and Vocational Training College tutors.
He pointed out that the county faces a shortfall of 622 ECDE teachers, which must be addressed in the next financial year through permanent and pensionable recruitment to fully operationalize all learning centres.
Chepkwony also advised the 177 untrained ECDE teachers on contract to pursue further training within a one-year grace period to regularize their employment status or risk job termination.
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Michael Chebon, Chair of the County Assembly Committee for Education, assured retired ECDE teachers who missed the benefits of the new terms that they would receive their gratuity payments.
This milestone underscores the county’s commitment to improving early childhood education and addressing the welfare of teachers.
Baringo County Employs 1,588 ECDE Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable Terms.
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