Kitui County Public Service Board Chairperson Florence Makindi issued an apology to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers for delaying employing them on permanent and pensionable terms.
Makindi said that the delay was due to the problem with the growing wage bill of the county government. The County has now become the first county to employ teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
During the event, more than 2,000 ECDE teachers were gathered outside Makindi’s office in Kitui town. Makindi revealed that by Monday, all eligible teachers will be on permanent and pensionable terms as instructed by the Governor.
The teachers had been issued with a notice that indicated that teachers who are nearing retirement age would be issued retirement notice letters while the untrained teachers would be given a non-renewable three-year contract.
According to reports, more than 140 ECDE teachers have reached retirement age. ECDE teachers’ role is important for the country’s future since they are responsible for laying the foundation for the future by imparting good values and morals to young children.
The announcement is a significant step in recognizing the contribution of teachers to the development of our country.
The move is expected to encourage ECDE teachers to perform duties assigned to them to the best of their abilities because they will now enjoy the benefits of being permanent and pensionable.
The decision of Kitui County to take up the decision is seen as a positive thing with ECDE teachers having complained of mistreatment in other counties. There have been reports of some of those teachers being employed on temporary terms and some not being paid on time.
Some teachers have also been laid off without compensation. This kind of treatment has often led to some teachers protesting and going on strike leading to disruption of learning in schools.
Employment on permanent and pensionable terms is therefore a good thing and plays a key role in motivating ECDE teachers as well as improving their working conditions.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and the Kitui County Public Service Board have set a good precedent for other counties to follow.
Kitui County now the first county to give ECDE teachers permanent and pensionable terms will now be an inspiration to other regions to do the same. The county will be able to attract and retain a more professional and experienced workforce.
This will in turn improve the delivery of service which will help Kitui County residents.