Kericho County Confirms 1,226 ECDE Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable Terms.
Kericho County has taken a major leap forward in revamping its education sector, implementing reforms designed to enhance learning from Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to vocational training.
A significant achievement in this transformation is the confirmation of 1,226 ECDE teachers to permanent and pensionable terms. Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, through a speech delivered by the Deputy Governor at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, said the county was committed to valuing educators by securing their roles and futures.
He emphasized that by formalising the status of ECDE educators, the county was securing the foundation of its education system and the welfare of its youngest learners. The Governor underscored that this recognition of early childhood teachers marked a serious investment in both educational quality and human capital.
Further enhancing early education, the county has completed the construction of 75 new ECDE centers across various wards. These additions are expected to ease congestion in existing schools and provide young learners with a more supportive environment, establishing a solid foundation for academic success.
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In a significant move toward localising education services, Kericho Library has been fully devolved. This step ensures residents, especially those in rural communities, will have better access to reading materials, research tools, and digital resources. The initiative is set to promote literacy and continuous learning across the county.
A key focus of Kericho’s reform efforts has been enhancing access to secondary and tertiary education. The county has so far issued over Sh310 million in bursaries to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. These funds have played a crucial role in keeping education accessible and inclusive.
Governor Mutai stated during the event that the bursaries had transformed the lives of thousands of learners who would otherwise have been unable to continue their studies. He urged the national government to resume support after a critical bursary allocation was suspended by the Controller of Budget.
Recognising the importance of technical skills for economic growth, the county has expanded the Equaliser Vocational Training Scholarship Programme, which now benefits 4,700 students. In 2024 alone, more than 2,500 students graduated from county-backed vocational training institutions, ready to enter the job market with practical skills.
To further meet demand, new Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) are under construction in Londiani, Aldai, Sorget, Cheboin, and Kisiara. These facilities will bring skill development opportunities closer to communities, reinforcing the county’s commitment to workforce development.
In a candid address, the Governor appealed directly to the national government, expressing concern over the bursary suspension. He warned that halting these funds could undermine the strides made in inclusive education and called for their immediate reinstatement.
He firmly stated that many learners depend on this aid, and the county was determined not to let financial hurdles disrupt their education. A parent at the event expressed joy, saying the county’s education efforts had given her children hope for a better future. A recent graduate from one of the VTCs also spoke, thanking the county for making education not just accessible but meaningful.
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Kericho County continues to set a strong example of effective devolved governance, showing how strategic investment in education can transform communities. With a focus that spans from nurturing early learners to empowering young adults through vocational skills, the county is building a future grounded in opportunity, inclusion, and innovation.
Kericho County Confirms 1,226 ECDE Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable Terms.