Elgeyo marakwet: The Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly Education Committee has mandated the County Public Service Board (CPSB) to clarify the postponement in hiring 100 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and 40 Vocational Training Centre (VTC) instructors by August 17.
According to Kenya News Agency, the committee noted that funds had been allocated in the current financial year for the recruitment, with an expectation for the teachers and instructors to be employed by July 1. However, the recruitment process is yet to begin. Christopher Cheboiboch, the committee chairperson and Emsoo Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), expressed concerns over the delay, highlighting its potential impact on learning as schools are set to reopen on August 26.
Cheboiboch revealed that during a joint meeting with the board and the departments of education and finance, all parties had agreed to complete the recruitment by July 1. Despite this agreement, no hiring has occurred. The Department of Education fulfilled its role by submitting the recruitment indent, and the Finance Department confirmed fund availability for the process.
The committee is now seeking an explanation from the CPSB regarding the unfulfilled timelines. Cheboiboch mentioned that the committee had summoned officials from the Department of Education for an update on the recruitment, but they failed to attend. He expressed concern that continued delays could exacerbate the shortage of teachers in ECDE centers across the county, citing his Emsoo Ward, where three ECDE centers are operating without teachers, potentially disrupting learning and affecting education quality.
An official letter from the committee clerk has been sent to the CPSB, demanding immediate action and a comprehensive progress report by Monday. The report should detail the reasons for the delay and outline measures to complete the recruitment exercise. Cheboiboch emphasized the county government’s responsibility to ensure children receive essential services and that available funds address urgent staffing needs.
The recruitment delay comes amid concerns regarding working conditions among ECDE teachers in the county. Previously, local ECDE teachers demonstrated and marched to the Governor’s office in Iten, protesting unstable employment contracts and demanding permanent and pensionable terms. The committee stressed the importance of addressing staffing shortages to strengthen early childhood education, which is fundamental to the education system. Despite implementing programs like free early childhood education and digital learning initiatives, the county continues to face challenges due to staffing imbalances in some areas.
