By Arnold Ageta
The County Government of Nyamira has today signed a recognition agreement with the Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) following lengthy consultations.
During the signing ceremony at the County Headquarters, Governor Nyaribo urged Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers to remain committed to their duties and provide quality education to 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 went on strike a few months ago, demanding salaries in line with the terms set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Governor Nyaribo said at least 530 teachers had been employed on permanent and pensionable terms, while another 390 would be employed by June 2027.
“We have adjusted salaries to reflect SRC standards. The remaining teachers will be onboarded on permanent and pensionable terms in next year’s budget,” he said.
The governor challenged ECDE teachers to prioritise the education of children, saying the county had fulfilled its side of the bargain and that there was no reason for them not to deliver.
“We could not implement salary increments without the budget. Demands must be reasonable. Let us not fight,” he said.
He further told KUNOPPET officials that they could have shown him some respect by avoiding street protests, arguing that he had already offered them better employment terms than those they previously had.
The governor also dismissed the argument that the industrial action at the beginning of Term Three was legal, saying it was baseless because KUNOPPET was not recognised at the time.
His remarks followed comments by KUNOPPET National Secretary-General Samuel Opiyo, who said the union would officially call off the strike once a return-to-work formula had been drafted and implemented.
The ceremony was attended by the County Attorney, members of the County Public Service Board and County Executive Committee (CEC) members.
