Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Bomet County are celebrating after the county government released their long-overdue salaries, which had been accumulating for six months. The payment comes as a significant relief for the teachers, who have been struggling to meet their basic needs amid a high cost of living.
The delayed salaries had placed the teachers in a difficult situation, leaving them unable to provide for their families and causing some to lose hope. Speaking in Bomet town, the teachers expressed their joy and renewed motivation following the release of their payments.
“Delayed salaries had put us in an awkward situation. We have also been unable to educate our children but today we are so happy since the county has paid our salaries which had accumulated for over six months now,” said Edna Koech, one of the ECDE teachers.
The teachers, led by Edna Koech and Jacqueline Chelangat, also praised the county government for its milk programme and efforts to equip ECDE centres across the county. These initiatives have significantly improved the quality of education and attracted more children to the centres.
“We are very happy and motivated today. As teachers, we are now ready to perform our duties with commitment. We also thank the county for the milk programme that has attracted many children and also for equipping ECDE centres across the country,” added Jacqueline Chelangat.
The teachers had not received their salaries since January, leading them to stage demonstrations and camp outside Governor Hillary Barchok’s office, demanding their payments. The county government acknowledged that the delay was due to the delayed release of shareable revenue by the treasury.
In a statement issued after releasing the salaries, the county government explained the situation and reassured the teachers that their concerns were being addressed. The teachers, while grateful for the payment, have committed to continuing their work diligently and engaging the county on remaining demands, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing basic education.
This positive development has rekindled hope and motivation among the ECDE teachers in Bomet, who are now eager to continue their vital work of educating the county’s youngest learners.
