How Baringo ECDE Teachers landed Permanent Jobs after 11 years of contractual service
Lowest ECDE teacher is now earning Ksh 24,000 while the highest will be paid up to Ksh 30,000.
By Dorothy Yegon
A petition by County Assembly of Baringo finally lands Early Childhood Development Education(ECDE) teachers on permanent and Pensionable employment terms.
This breaks and marks the end of their 11 years of suffering while working under contractual service.
Under the new terms of service, ECDE teachers will now smile all the way to the bank with their payslips reading; the lowest paid teacher earning Ksh 24,000 while the highest will be paid up to Ksh30,000, up from Ksh9,000 and Ksh11,000 respectively.
Saimo-Soi Ward MCA and County Assembly ECDE, Vocational Training and Library services Chairman Michael Chebon said they presented the petition to the relevant authorities seeking to improve the working conditions of ECDE teachers.
Baringo ECDE teacher converge at County Social Hall Kabarnet to receive their confirmation letters Monday
"We petitioned for ECD teachers to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms and after engaging with Treasury, Human Resource, Public Service Board and Office of Governor, we are pleased to see this change become a reality" Chebon said.
He said that despite the financial challenges, the 30 elected MCAs agreed in solidarity to support the ECDE teachers, "we all agreed on it even if it meant sacrificing part of the ward development fund so pay the teachers, so be it" he said.
After careful deliberations, Governor Benjamin Cheboi signed the petition into effect, ensuring that from July, ECD teachers in the county would be employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Furthermore, under the new terms of service, bursaries will be offered to those wishing to further their education, and ECDE teachers will now receive allowance and medical cover similar to other county employees.
"The petition which took 11 years of consistent struggle was a hard-fought victory. " MCA Chebon said, describing it as a 'Christmas Gift' to the teachers.
Elated teachers received their confirmation letters in a ceremony held at the County Social Hall in Hall in Kabarnet on Monday.
ECDE teachers handed their job confirmation letters on Monday
County Assembly Speaker Vincent Kemboi said the long struggle has come to an end, also terming it a great victory.
He said he is happy that under his guidance as speaker the bill was passed and ECD teachers can now enjoy the fruits of their labour.
"Success of ECDE teachers belongs to all of us and when they are happy we're also happy as leaders and people of Baringo" Kemboi said.
Governor Cheboi said the significant move will not only make the ECDE sector more competitive and vibrant but will also motivate teachers to deliver quality education.
"A total of 1069 ECDE teachers have been confirmed to permanent and pensionable terms while 342 untrained teachers over the age of 50 were offered fixed contracts with improved terms and service" Governor said said.
The County boss reiterated his commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and equipping ECDE classrooms and vocational training institutions, aiming to ensure quality assurance in academic centres.
He also praised county assembly for passing the bill that allowed for the employment of ECDE teachers under permanent and pensionable terms, calling it 'a dream come true'.
The governor further urged the assembly to fast-track the passing of the county Nutrition and Meals Bill, which is currently in public participation stage.
The bill, if passed, will provide a framework for feeding ECDE students, thus boosting enrollment and retention rates in schools.
This initiative represents a key investment in the future of Baringo's children, ensuring they have access to quality education and a conducive learning environment.
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