Uasin Gishu Jonathan Governor Jonathan Bii has directed that more than 1,500 ECDE teachers in the county be employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
He said he understands the challenges teachers have been going through.
“We have said that all ECDE teachers must be happy like other workers. They mould our children at a critical stage and we have to give them the best support so that they perform effectively,” Bii said.
The governor spoke at Home Craft, Pioneer, in Eldoret town when he presided over the launch of the process of employing ECDE teachers on new terms.
Bii said his administration will improve ECDE teachers’ welfare so they can deliver.
Immediate former Governor Jackson Mandago's administration had committed to employing the teachers on permanent and pensionable terms but the process was delayed due to lack of a scheme of service for the ECDE teachers because of budgetary constraints.
The process is now complete.
Uasin Gishu had advertised three categories for ECDE teachers' positions including graduates, diploma holders and certificate holders. Some 1,287 applicants qualified and will be employed on permanent terms.
Deputy Governor John Barorot said with improved terms for ECDE teachers, they expect better education for pupils in the county.
He said the county is working on ensuring public ECDEs offer services that rival those being offered in private schools.
Bii and Barorot have also assured more than 4,000 Uasin Gishu county employees that their jobs are safe and their welfare will be improved.
He said none of the employees would be frustrated under his administration.
Employees will however be subjected to performance contracting to enhance service delivery, he said.
Bii said the political period is over and it is time to work to develop the county.
“Our main interest is to serve residents and that should be our focus and nothing else,” he said.
The new county chief said even those who voted for his rivals should feel safe and stop regretting or harbouring anger or any fears.
