Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Busia country will receive a salary hike.
Speaking at the burial of retired ECDE teacher the late Kevina Apali Ekeya, 69, at Ng’elechom in Teso South Sub County last Saturday, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the teachers played a crucial role in moulding learners at a critical age.
” My government will increase their salaries to match other members of the teaching fraternity. I want ECDE teachers to own cars just like others, considering that they are doing a good job at the grassroots,” he said.
Ojaamong noted that his government has at least two ECDE teachers, employed by the county government in every public ECDE Centre. He also promised to ensure that each public school has an ECDE classroom this financial year.
At the same time, Busia county employed 439 teachers on a permanent basis beginning February, 2020 and has mooted plans to absorb over 500 others who are still on contract.
The governor said the move to improve the status of ECDE teachers is aimed at stabilizing early learning and setting a strong base for children’s education.
In May 2019, Ojaamong launched the distribution of ECDE instructional material across the county, saying his administration was dedicated in employing a sufficient number of ECDE educators.
He noted that the Council of Governors’ summit is still lobbying with President Uhuru Kenyatta for the national government to take over the payment of ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
The ECDE subsector of education is guided by the ECDE Policy, which seeks to ensure children enrolled for the programme get education geared towards the development of their mental and physical capabilities.
It also seeks to ensure that early learners enjoy living and learning through play, besides uplifting their self-esteem and self-confidence.
By Absalom Namwalo
