The County Government of Kiambu plans to recruit more than 1,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in phases to address staffing needs arising from increased enrolment in public pre-primary centres.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi said about 1,200 eligible teachers would also be promoted by December as the county seeks to strengthen its teaching workforce and provide career progression opportunities.
Wamatangi said the measures would complement investments in early learning infrastructure, including the construction of hundreds of modern ECDE centres across the county.
He spoke at the Bahati Model ECDE Centre in Thika, where he said recruitment would be undertaken in phases based on staffing requirements.
“The current teacher-learner ratio stands at about one teacher for every 34 learners. We need more teachers to support the increasing enrolment,” he said.
According to the county government, enrolment in public pre-primary centres has increased from about 32,000 learners to more than 50,000. The county has constructed more than 512 modern centres as part of efforts to expand access to early learning.
The county has also continued to advertise teaching positions. In May, the County Public Service Board advertised 60 ECDE Teacher III positions, with applicants required to hold a diploma in ECDE, be registered with the Teachers Service Commission and have relevant work experience.
Wamatangi said the county was working with Mount Kenya University to support teachers seeking to advance their academic qualifications.
He said the county was considering allocating funds through a supplementary budget to assist teachers pursuing diploma and degree programmes.
The governor further announced plans to bring teachers currently employed through Boards of Management under the county government, saying the move would improve their welfare and standardize service delivery.
The staffing plans come as Kiambu continues to strengthen its policy framework for early childhood education. The county’s ECDE Policy identifies teacher training and staffing among key areas requiring attention, alongside governance and resource allocation.
Earlier this year, stakeholders discussing the proposed Kiambu County ECDE Bill raised concerns over the welfare, remuneration and working conditions of caregivers.
The planned recruitment and promotions are expected to ease staffing pressures in public centres while giving existing teachers opportunities for career advancement.
By Winjoy Makena and Grace Naishoo
