By Matilda Atieno
It’s good news to all ECD teachers as the County Government of Kisumu moved to confirm 665 teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms.
Kisumu Governor, Anyang’Nyong’o this morning a turned a teachers darling following his bold pronouncement of PnP appointment for all the county ECD teachers who were gathered at the County’s Public service grounds in Kisumu.
The Governor lauded the teachers performance in nurturing young ones into powerful human beings sentiments that was echoed by his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili who welcomed the Governor, acknowledging his efforts to ensure that the teachers performance is highly rewarded through issuance of the PnP employment terms.
Early childhood development education (ECDE) is a devolved primary level of education and the county government is in charge of running all the teaching and learning functions in the sector. The county government is mandated to construct learning classes and hire teachers to t impart knowledge and skills to the young ones.
Speaking during the issuance of the service letters to all ECD teachers across the county, Governor Nyong’o mentioned the various efforts committed by the county government to develop the sector and to ensure the foundational education is deeply entrenched. The various measures include, feeding program, infrastructural development, hygiene, sanitation and disease control among the children, ECD capitation, provision of furniture’s and teacher management.
Current the there are 684 ECD centers with a total enrolment of 52,818 children of whom 26,003 are girls and 26,815 are boys.
The Governor stated that the move to issue PnP service letters is to motivate and enable the teachers to plan well as they realize their career development. “We want you to be role models in villages where you come from. You will no-longer be worried about renewal of your contracts.” Said Governor Nyong’o.
The ECDC teachers have been employed on contract terms which was renewable after every 3 years basing on personal performance. The confirmation to PnP allows ECD teachers to enjoy various terms in service.
The initiative puts Kisumu County in the list of five other counties in Kenya (Busia, Nyandarua Nakuru Bungoma) that have their ECD teachers engaged on permanent and pensionable terms.
Governor Nyong’o also highlighted the plight of Many unemployed youths in the county while recognizing lack of jobs as a challenge to many. The governor took the opportunity to issue an appointment letter to Mr. Geoffrey Onditi a trained nurse who ventured into carpentry due to lack of opportunity in nursing. The appointment was issued today after having undertaken a successful interview process with the public service board. Mr. Onditi was posted to Nyang’oma health center as nursing officer.
Also present at the ceremony was the Speaker of the County Assembly, Hon. Elisha Oraro, the CEC member John Awiti, the members of the County public Service board, the chair of the County Assembly, education committee Hon. Arao, other members of the County Assembly and county officials.
