The Mountain Journal
Learning in Murang’a Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres were paralyzed on Monday after a section of teachers staged a peaceful demonstration to protest over alleged unfair employment terms.
The teachers employed by the Murang’a County Government demanded they be absorbed on the permanent and pensionable terms as their colleagues in the majority of the counties.
They marched to Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s office accusing the devolved unit for exploiting them as they have worked since 2013 under the contract programme, despite unending s promises by successive county administrations.
They teachers without the backing of their union officials said they wanted regularisation of their terms of employment and engagement with the county government.
According to the teachers, since 2016 they have been placed on short-term contracts, a situation that has led them to unending economic hardship and job insecurity.
Caroline Wambura and Joyce Wanjiku, both teachers, said the ECDE teachers earn a gross salary of Sh 17,000 but after statutory deductions they receive not more than Sh14,000.
“We appreciate the work we do but the meager salary is too little to sustain a family and take care of the elderly parents back in the village,” said Wanjiku.
She added that they are denied access to the commuter or house allowances like other county government employees.
Wambura said it was demoralizing that the degree and diploma holders earn Sh 17,000.
“ This time the Governor listens to the cry of the teachers and recognises their academic qualification or experience of the professionals entrusted to the children,” Wambura said.
Felina Kahia, said Murang’a County Government has ignored a court ruling that directed all the 1,200 ECDE teachers in Murang’a to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms without further delay
“While the county government has invested millions in rehabilitating ECDE centres and building classrooms, the teachers welfare has been ignored,” Kahia said.
They vowed to present their petition to the County Assembly once it resumes from the recess.
