Nyeri ECDE teachers get pay increment in reforms

An ECD teacher in class with pupils. [Fidelis Kabunyi, Standard]

Nyeri county government has harmonized salaries for 800 Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDE) teachers as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines.

With the revised salary, the teachers will now be paid Sh25,220 up from Sh13,983 in the lowest cadre and the highest cadre will get Sh52,833 up from Sh30,227 in Job Group K.

The teacher's salary arrears will be backdated to July.

This salary review follows resolutions of a meeting between the Senate Standing Committee and Council of Governors last year, where counties agreed to implement ECDE schemes of service for teachers.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga noted that the revised salary scales will see teachers in Job Groups G and H receive Sh31,550, and Sh34,750 up from Sh15,424, respectively, alongside other perks that come with their respective Job Groups.

The devolved unit is confident the move will guarantee career progression and personal development of the teachers since they can now be enrolled for training.

Kahiga said early childhood education is an important stage for every child.

"The ECDE teachers continue to play a very crucial role in laying the foundations that shape the lives of our children. They are instrumental in providing the foundation for our children's future learning and development," he said.

Additionally, their roles as caregivers, educators, mentors, and advocates are pivotal in shaping well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also emotionally and socially competent.

At Nyamachaki Primary, James Mwaniki, the headteacher said ECDE teachers are under the county government management, and they are waiting for the end of the month to confirm the new salaries.

He said the county decision will motivate the teachers who handle delicate minds.

The ECDE teachers benefited in the last financial year after the county government changed their terms of employment from contract to permanent and pensionable basis.