Nyeri County Government has officially absorbed more than 800 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers into permanent and pensionable terms, ending years of uncertainty for a group that had long worked under short contracts. The announcement was made during a county ceremony where Governor Mutahi Kahiga issued new appointment letters to the teachers, describing the shift as a major milestone in strengthening the county’s education workforce. The decision is expected to significantly improve job security and boost morale among ECDE educators across all sub-counties.
The newly confirmed teachers had previously served on three-year renewable contracts, earning between Sh10,000 and Sh12,000 per month, and only qualified for a gratuity at the end of each term. Under the new employment scheme, the county will remit 15 percent of each teacher’s basic salary to the County Pension Fund (CPF), while the teachers will contribute 7.5 percent, ensuring they benefit from pension upon retirement. Governor Kahiga said the county had also developed a plan for professional development courses to enhance the capacity of ECDE teachers, noting that improved training will help uplift learning standards in public pre-primary centres. He emphasized that formalizing the teachers’ employment would also reduce turnover and retain experienced staff who play a crucial role in early childhood learning.
The promotion has been widely welcomed by teachers and stakeholders in the education sector, many of whom say the move demonstrates the county’s commitment to strengthening foundational learning. Education officials noted that securing the future of ECDE teachers will have a ripple effect on pupil performance and long-term literacy outcomes. With the new contracts now in place, the county government is expected to prioritize classroom improvements and additional learning materials as part of its broader plan to modernize ECDE infrastructure. The transition also signals a growing shift across Kenyan counties toward better terms of service for early childhood educators, laying the groundwork for a more stable and motivated teaching workforce in the years ahead.