Migori: Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Migori County have dismissed reports circulating online that claim they earn as little as Sh4,000 per month. Instead, the teachers, who are permanently employed by the County Government, have confirmed earning salaries ranging between Sh28,000 and Sh37,000, based on their academic qualifications.
According to Kenya News Agency, the teachers were responding to social media posts that have been circulating recently, alleging underpayment by the devolved government, with figures as low as Sh4,000 per month. The controversy heightened following Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko’s recent appearance before the Senate Education Committee, where he was questioned about the low salaries for ECDE teachers in the county. Dr. Ayacko clarified during the meeting that non-permanent ECDE teachers receive a maximum allowance of Sh4,000 and expressed willingness to increase this allowance if the national government’s allocation is increased.
At a press conference in Migori town, some permanently employed ECDE teachers, led by Huldah Ogutu from Ngege ECDE centre, confirmed their earnings with payslips showing salaries between Sh28,000 and Sh32,000. Ogutu challenged those spreading false information to cease politicizing the issue, noting that the claims on social media do not accurately reflect the salaries paid to county-employed ECDE teachers. She stressed that the county government pays salaries on time and there are no arrears.
Another teacher, Nixon Ouma from God Jope in Kwa Ward, clarified that the Sh4,000 applies to Board of Management (BOM) teachers, who are temporarily hired to fill staffing gaps and not through the Migori County Public Service Board. Ouma explained that contracted teachers earn monthly salaries starting from Sh28,000.
Roseline Aoko, Migori County Chief Officer for Education, also dismissed the salary rumors, explaining the county’s remuneration structure for ECDE teachers. According to Aoko, certificate holders earn a basic salary starting from Sh20,500, with additional allowances such as a house allowance of Sh15,000 and a commuter allowance. Diploma and degree holders earn higher salaries between Sh28,000 and Sh37,000, with commuter allowances of up to Sh4,000. Aoko emphasized that the county recruits ECDE teachers through the Public Service Board and occasionally employs BOM teachers to address teacher shortages, who are not paid by the county government.
Chacha Kaguri, the county director of education, supported the chief officer’s statements, affirming that Migori County adheres strictly to the salary structure as recommended by the salary commission. The county government remains committed to improving the teacher-to-learner ratio to ensure quality early childhood education across Migori County.
