Murang’a County government has moved closer to ending the ongoing Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers’ strike after reaching an agreement with the educators on a new salary and benefits package.
County officials led by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, on Saturday held a consultative meeting with ECDE teachers to explain the details of a new enhanced pay deal and other benefits that have been incorporated into the 2026/2027 county budget.
The meeting comes after weeks of unrest among ECDE teachers, who had downed their tools and staged demonstrations demanding better pay, improved employment terms and permanent and pensionable positions.
The teachers argued that their salaries had remained stagnant for years despite increased responsibilities and the rising cost of living.
Speaking during the meeting, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance Prof. Kiarie Mwaura said the county government had proposed a four-year salary improvement plan, aimed at gradually aligning teachers’ earnings with the rates recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Under the new arrangement, ECDE teachers holding degree qualifications will receive a monthly salary increase of Sh10,000 starting July 2026.
The increment will be added every financial year until they attain the SRC-recommended salary scale.
Diploma holders will receive a monthly increase of Sh.6,000 beginning July 2026, while certificate holders will get an additional Sh4,000 per month.
These increments will also be reviewed upwards annually over the four-year period until they reach the prescribed SRC rates.
Prof. Mwaura further announced that all ECDE interns currently serving in the county will be absorbed into the new salary structure according to their academic qualifications.
He noted that while the agreement addresses salary concerns, teachers will nominate representatives to engage the county government on other pending grievances that still require discussion.
Kang’ata thanked the teachers for their dedication and commitment to nurturing young learners across the county, saying the administration recognizes the important role they play in laying a strong educational foundation for children.
“We appreciate the sacrifices made by our ECDE teachers and remain committed to improving their welfare within the county’s financial capability,” the governor said.
The teachers welcomed the engagement, describing it as a positive step towards resolving a dispute that had disrupted learning in ECDE centres across the county.
Peris Mwangi, one of the ECDE teachers, thanked the governor and county officials for taking time to explain the contents of the new contract.
She said the teachers had resolved to call off the strike and resume teaching duties following the agreement.
“We are happy that the county government has listened to our concerns. After understanding the details of the new deal, we have agreed to return to work while continuing discussions on the remaining issues,” said Mwangi.
She expressed optimism that the county government would, in the future, transition ECDE teachers to permanent and pensionable terms.
Another teacher, Charity Njoki, said the agreement marks a significant milestone for educators who have served under challenging conditions since their employment in 2016.
She noted that many teachers have been earning a monthly salary of about Sh17,000 for nearly a decade.
“We have waited for a long time for salary improvements. The county government has now committed to increasing our pay gradually over four years until we attain the SRC rates, and we appreciate that effort,” she said.
The agreement is expected to restore normal learning in ECDE centres across Murang’a County and bring to an end a dispute that had threatened to disrupt early childhood education services for thousands of learners.
By Bernard Munyao
