NGPU
May 30, 2025
Nakuru’s ECDE Sector Gets Major Boost as 498 Teachers Secure Permanent Jobs
Written by Roy Lumbe
Thousands of young learners across Nakuru County are set to benefit from improved early childhood education services after 498 ECDE teachers were formally absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms. A move H.E Governor Susan Kihika says is aimed at ensuring fairness, stability, and equity in the foundational stages of learning.
Speaking during an induction ceremony at the Agricultural Training Centre in Soilo, the Governor said the decision reflects her deep personal commitment to quality education and her administration’s goal of achieving a 1:25 teacher-learner ratio to give every child equal attention and opportunity.
“This is not just a win for teachers; it’s a win for every ECDE learner in Nakuru,” said Governor Kihika. “We are investing in the people who hold the future of our children in their hands.”
Of the 498 teachers, 192 were newly recruited in the 2024/2025 Financial Year, while 306 others who had been serving on contract have now been absorbed into permanent terms. All received their appointment letters during the event, officially joining the ranks of the county’s public service.
Governor Kihika emphasized that the recruitment process was transparent, competitive, and guided by merit, per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring fair compensation and job security for all Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers.
“I have secured your future. Even if I leave, you will continue to serve. All I ask in return is that you take good care of our children,” she told the newly inducted teachers, drawing applause from the audience.
The absorption brings the number of ECDE teachers employed on permanent and pensionable terms in Nakuru County to 821. The Governor stated that this is a significant step toward achieving the desired teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:25 while also ensuring that early learning remains a top priority for her administration.
She also set a new vision for ECDE infrastructure across the county, saying:
“I recommend that every ECDE centre should have at least two classrooms, a standalone toilet, a water tank, age-appropriate furniture, vibrant child-friendly décor, and play equipment like swings. No more hall-like structures; let’s create beautiful, well-equipped spaces that can compete with private schools and give our children the best start in life.”
The County Government has, in recent years, intensified investment in the ECDE sector. Since 2022, it has constructed 127 new classrooms, rehabilitated 16, equipped 628 with child-friendly furniture, built 10 kitchens to support the Uji feeding program, and constructed 69 toilets suitable for young learners. The number of ECDE centres has grown from 1,003 to 1,068, while enrolment has surged from 59,000 to 65,000 learners in just one year.
The Uji program, a flagship initiative of Kihika’s administration, was also singled out as a key contributor to increased enrollment and attendance.
Governor Kihika stated that the county is not only investing in physical infrastructure but also in the quality of education. ICT integration has been rolled out in ECDE classrooms, CBC-compliant learning materials have been supplied, and regular teacher development training has been implemented. The school feeding program has also been enhanced with the inclusion of Vitamin A supplements to improve child health.
County Assembly Education Committee Chairperson Peter Njoroge welcomed the Governor’s action, noting that teachers are relieved their future is now secure. “This move will uplift many families. Teachers no longer have to dig into their own pockets to fund ECDE learning, and the Uji program has been a great success,” he said.
Present during the event were County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura, Chief of Staff Dr Peter Ketyenya, and County Executive Committee Members Zipporah Ngugi (Education), Eng. Michael Kamau (Infrastructure), Stephen Kuria (Trade) and Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor, Martin Kagai.
