By Francis Orina
The County Government of Nyamira has signed a recognition agreement with the Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET).
This paves the way for formal engagement with Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers following an industrial dispute over salaries and employment terms.
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The agreement was signed in a function witnessed by Governor Amos Nyaribo at the Governor’s Boardroom, where he urged teachers to resume their duties and prioritise quality education for learners.
“We have signed an agreement. From today, we recognise you. This paves the way for future engagements. If there are any issues, let us engage,” Nyaribo said.
KUNOPPET members had staged a strike demanding salaries in line with terms set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), alongside improved employment terms.
The governor said the county had already employed 530 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, with another 390 expected to be incorporated by June 2027.
“We have adjusted salaries to reflect SRC standards. The remaining teachers will be onboarded on permanent and pensionable terms by June next year. We will capture those needs in the next financial budget to facilitate the transition,” he said.
Nyaribo challenged the teachers to return their attention to the classroom, arguing that the county had made progress in addressing their concerns and that learners should not suffer because of disagreements between the employer and the union.
He criticised the decision by teachers to take to the streets, saying the county had offered them improved employment terms compared with their previous
“You should have accorded me some respect by not going to the streets. I took you on board on better terms from other employment. We could not implement salary increments without the budget. Demands must be reasonable. Let us not fight,” he said.
The governor also questioned the legality of the industrial action staged at the beginning of Term Three, arguing that the union had not been formally recognised by the county at the time.
His remarks came in response to KUNOPPET national secretary-general Samuel Opiyo, who said the union would officially call off the strike after a return-to-work formula had been drafted and implemented.
The recognition agreement provides a formal framework through which the county government and the union can engage on teachers’ employment conditions and resolve outstanding grievances.
The county administration is expected to incorporate the planned transition of the remaining 390 teachers into its next financial budget to facilitate their employment on permanent and pensionable terms by June 2027.
Nyarobo noted that his administration had invested heavily in the school meals program dubbed UjiAfya, Digital Learning, building new classes, among other initiatives geared towards promoting quality education for our learners.
“This has contributed to the growth of enrolment from 28,000 to 35,000 in less than a year,” he said.
The function was presided over by the County Attorney and attended by County Public Service Board vice-chairman Dr Zablon Ayiera, Education County Executive Committee Member Emily Ongaga and Chief Officer for Education Zipporah Orina.
Also present were Commissioners Geoffrey Bongoye, Bilha Bochaberi, Charles Maugo and Felister Moige, among other county officials.
-Additional reporting/ Laban Robert, GPU- Nyamira
