Senate Want Double Salary Increase For ECDE Teachers
Mr Joe Nyutu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, made an important announcement on Monday regarding the salaries of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers employed by county governments.
In an effort to address the current low salaries, Mr Nyutu revealed that the basic pay for ECDE teachers would be doubled, increasing from Sh7,500 to Sh15,000.
Insulting Salary for Skilled Professionals
Mr Nyutu strongly criticized the previous salary of Sh7,500, considering it an insult to professionals who have undergone formal training and acquired specialized skills.
He highlighted that the previous salary amounted to a mere Sh375 per working day or Sh46 per hour, which is even lower than the wages of many unskilled laborers.
The Senate Committee on Education, together with other stakeholders, is actively working to find ways for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to absorb ECDE teachers.
Mr Nyutu emphasized that these individuals are teachers by training and deserve to be compensated adequately from the government’s budget.
However, due to the devolution of ECDE education, legal intervention is required to resolve the current challenge.
To achieve the best outcome for ECDE teachers, Mr Nyutu stressed the importance of collaboration between the Senate, National Assembly, and the Council of Governors.
By working together, they aim to address the issue of delayed salaries, as some ECDE teachers are owed up to 10 months of unpaid wages.
Mr Nyutu urged all stakeholders to recognize the crucial role played by ECDE in building the foundation of the country’s intelligence.
While the increase in the basic minimum salary to Sh15,000 is a step in the right direction, he acknowledged that it is still insufficient.
Pushing for Regularization and Pension Benefits
The Senate Committee on Education is currently in discussions with the Council of Governors to expedite the regularization of ECDE teachers, making them permanent employees with pensionable status.
This proposal aims to group teachers based on their level of education, allowing them to receive a progressive salary aligned with the existing scheme of service.
Mr Nyutu assured ECDE teachers that their concerns are being taken seriously.
Senate Want Double Salary Increase For ECDE Teachers
