Over 600 ECDE teachers in Nyamira County marched on Monday, February 3, 2025 protesting low salaries, delayed payments and lack of permanent contracts.
The teachers are not happy with their KSh 15,000 monthly salary which they say is below the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines. They want Governor Amos Nyaribo to act fast to address their grievances.
Teachers Want Salary Adjustments
During the peaceful demo, teachers lamented delayed salaries and no permanent contracts leaving many in financial mess.
Alice Nyamongo, an ECDE teacher at Ntana Primary School shared her struggle to meet basic needs due to low pay. She said there is a big difference between their salaries and those in neighbouring counties and wanted the county government to harmonise ECDE teacher pay across the region.
Despite Nyamira County Government confirming 500 ECDE teachers as permanent employees in November 2024, many are still on short term contracts.
County Government Asks for Dialogue
Speaking on the issue, Nyamira County Public Board CEO Anne Mwasi acknowledged the teachers’ concerns but asked them to dialogue not to protest.
Nyamira County Chief Officer for ECDE Zipporah Orina also said the county is committed to supporting teachers both professionally and economically.
At Kebirigo Comprehensive School where she officially opened two new ECDE classrooms, Orina said the county is focusing on education development. She assured the teachers that their concerns are not being ignored.
ECDE Infrastructure Development
During the event, Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Natwere and Zipporah Orina commissioned two new ECDE classrooms at Kebirigo Comprehensive School.
Natwere said the classrooms were built using funds from his office and thanked Governor Nyaribo for supporting education infrastructure projects. He asked other MCAs to prioritise ECDE improvements in their wards.
What’s Next for ECDE Teachers in Nyamira?
Despite Nyamira County Government saying it’s committed to education and teacher welfare, the protesting teachers are insisting that something needs to be done now.
Their demands are:
✅ Salary adjustments as per SRC guidelines
✅ Prompt payment of salaries
✅ Permanent contracts for all ECDE teachers
As talks between teachers and county officials go on, only time will tell if the government will make policy changes for ECDE teachers in Nyamira.