By YOANA KIMWELE.
The County Government of kitui through the public service board commission has today confirmed 1,898 ECDE teachers Into permanent and pensionable terms (P&P).
Announcing the development to the members of the press, the county public board chairperson Dr. Florence Munanie Makindi revealed that the ECDE teachers are now part of the government employee on permanent terms.
The Early Childhood Development Education revolved from the previous Nursery School system since independence.
Ordinarily, The ECDE system was not recognized as part of the Education System in Kenya and therefore left as a burden to the parents and faith-based organizations.
However, it is the foundation of education where early learners acquire the basic values, attitudes, and life skills as an investment in human capital exhibited later in their lives.
On the other hand, a motivated teacher is the most important resource to transfer these important attributes and knowledge to the learners, Dr Makind told the press.
Kitui Governor considered this as a priority in the implementation of his manifesto by placing ECDE teachers into the scheme of service that offers
permanent and pensionable terms (P&P).
Therefore, the “Accomplishment of
this exercise finally marks a milestone achievement of the Governor’s Manifesto and vision which dates back to 2013 when he hired these teachers.
Today marked a very special occasion in the history of Early Childhood Education, particularly for the teachers smiling back at
the village with P&P letters from the County Public Service Board. she added.
The rigorous exercise took two to three days where Two Thousand, Four hundred, and one Teacher (2,401) who were in the Kitui County Payroll as Casuals presented themselves for P&P consideration.
Out of this number, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Eight (1,898) teachers transmitted from casual employment to Permanent and Pensionable terms.
However, 527 teachers who did not meet the minimum requirements as well as those who have reached retirement age, have been given a grace period to serve until December 31, 2023, after which they will exit the Service.
The recruitment exercise was challenging due to the beehive activities and human traffic of more than 1670 job seekers who presented themselves for Consideration but were advised to wait until new positions are advertised.