It was a sigh of relief for 1287 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Uasin Gishu after the new Governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii fulfilled his promise that they would be absorbed by the county government on permanent and pensionable terms of service.
The governor who had announced one week ago that he would meet the ECDE teachers who had been serving on contract for more than 10 years, on Friday presided over the launch of the appointment of the 1287 teachers on P&P terms.
Governor Bii urged the teachers who have been serving over 36,170 children across the County to improve the performance and confidence of the children, as moulding was key in the foundation establishment of a child’s education.
Speaking during the event held at Home Craft in Pioneer Eldoret town, the governor who was flanked by his deputy, Eng John Barorot assured that under his administration, ECDE teachers’ welfare will be well taken care of.
He noted that he understands the challenges they have been through over time and that it was time they are addressed.
“We have said an ECDE teacher must be happy like a university lecturer,” said the County Boss.
Bii said that his administration was working on a school feeding plan to improve children’s nutrition.
“This programme is part of the 10-pillar manifesto-Nguzo Kumi, I urge the teachers to continue scaling up in their education careers,” he advised.
Since its inception, the County Government has built over 1079 classrooms, 11 kitchens, and 18 ECDE Centres supplied with electricity across the county.
The previous administration had committed to employing the teachers on permanent and pensionable terms but the process was delayed due to what was said to be delays in the implementation of the schemes of service for ECDE teachers due to budgetary constraints.
“But with the process is now complete, and the teachers have now been confirmed in employment under P&P terms,” said the Governor.
Uasin Gishu County had advertised ECDE teachers’ positions in three categories – graduates, diploma holders, and certificate holders out of which 1,287 qualified and are now set to be fully employed on permanent terms.
By Kiptanui Cherono
