Over 1,000 Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers in Meru are urging the county government to implement a long-awaited scheme of service developed nearly a decade ago. Led by Kenya Union of Pre-primary Education Teachers (Kunnopet) Meru branch chairman Harrison Kimathi, the teachers expressed their frustration over poor pay, excessive workloads, and a lack of promotion despite their professional qualifications.
Mr. Kimathi highlighted that the approximately 800 ECDE centers in Meru are staffed by teachers who, regardless of their qualifications—be it certificates, diplomas, or degrees—receive the same salary. He pointed out that the existing scheme of service clearly outlines the appropriate salaries for various job groups, yet this has not been enforced.
The situation is exacerbated by overwhelming class sizes, with some teachers managing classrooms of up to 60 children. “That means a teacher cannot give each learner the special attention needed for effective learning,” he noted, stressing that this situation contradicts policies aimed at achieving quality education. He emphasized that the only way to alleviate this burden is to hire more ECDE teachers.
Kimathi revealed that ECDE teachers were earning a net salary of Sh22,620.
Commuter and house allowance are pegged at Sh3,000 and Sh2,750, respectively, he said
“That cannot sustain us in this economy. As young ECDE teachers we want to be remunerated as stipulated in the scheme of service,” he said.
According to the scheme, a degree holder should earn up to Sh57,230.
Certificate and diploma holders should be paid Sh26,460 and Sh37,000, respectively.
The teachers also took issue with the decision to refer to them as ‘senior support staff’ in the primary schools where they share the compound.
“We find this very demeaning to ECDE teachers. Because we went to school, and earned certificates, diploma and degrees. We are registered by the Teachers Service Commission and many of us want to pursue further education and earn Master’s and PhD,” said Kimathi.
“We are the people who lay the foundation for the children’s development and education. We work hard despite the challenges,” he added.
The teachers roles include teaching, role modelling, guidance and counselling, mentoring and motivation of learners, preparing reports on the children and ensuring their safety and security.
Others functions include organising and facilitating play and learning activities.
The scheme of service was developed by the Ministry of Education in partnership with Council of Governors (CoG), TSC, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, National Treasury, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and others.
Meru County Secretary Kiambi Atheru said; “Development of service is on. On the employment, some budget was set aside for the same. Currently we are engaging with Controller of Budget matters wagebill.”
CoG Chief Executive Officer Mary Mwiti said the scheme laid the foundation for standardized and effective teacher professional management, career growth and effective service delivery in ECDE centres.
“The scheme outlines basic job descriptions, personal qualities and competencies required for each job grade and the minimum requirements,” Mwiti said.
