Busia County Government commissioned the appointment of the first 439 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in the County. County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong who presided over the ceremony at Busia Polytechnic grounds said his government will employ another 439 ECDE teachers in the next financial year.
“This should go a long way in improving delivery of quality pre-primary education in the country. We shall continue engaging to ensure all our children go to school and remain focused to achieve their dreams. I started my career by teaching standard one at Obucun Primary School and that confirms that we are birds of the same feather. I want you to emulate my rise from a primary school teacher to a Governor,” he said.
The Governor said the delay by his Government to employ ECDE teachers was occasioned by KNUT’s move to seek legal redress over issues which were somehow relevant.
The push by parents prompted his government to give in to their demands. “I will champion your rights to ensure you get better remuneration,” he said. Ojaamong said his government was developing a policy on school milk programme for ECDE children.
Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa said ECDE teachers were the neglected lot by all previous regimes. However, Wangalwa urged the newly employed teachers to join teachers’ saccos once they receive their first payment. He also gave headteachers the mandate to supervise the ECDE teachers.
County Public Service Board acting chairman Lawrence Akijakin regretted that only 26 teachers out of 439 employed were male. He called for a change of attitude by men in seeking job opportunities.
Busia First Lady Judy Ojaamong thanked ECDE teachers for moulding his son Leroy who is now in standard one. She also thanked the Governor for taking the initiative to employ the ECDE teachers.
County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training Hillary Makhulu said staffing of ECDE teachers will be their top priority.
KNUT Secretary Teso branch Deogracious Owaya thanked Busia for becoming the second County to sign to employ ECDE teachers with the blessings of the national office.
“Kericho was the first two weeks ago to sign a recognition agreement with KNUT, teachers and the County Government. KNUT Secretary General will visit Busia in two weeks time to sign an agreement with Busia Government,” he said and lauded the Governor for being very consultative in matters of education in Kenya.