Meru governor Isaac Mutuma has unveiled sweeping Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) reforms, committing more than Sh600 million annually to teachers’ salaries and introducing structured career progression for 1,600 instructors across the county.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, the governor said the new ECDE Teachers’ Scheme of Service would address long-standing disparities that left educators stagnating in the same job groups for years without promotion or salary reviews.
“For over a decade, our ECDE teachers remained on the same salaries, with no recognition for their experience or dedication. Today, that changes,” he said.
Under the previous structure, many teachers were classified under Job Group E, while Job Group D had a salary ceiling of Sh24,970.
The reforms will see 6,087 employed teachers placed in Job Group F, earning Sh26,000, alongside provisions for annual increments and promotions.
The county has allocated Sh43 million to operationalise the scheme, which also guarantees medical cover and timely remittance of statutory deductions.
Governor Mutuma acknowledged past delays in salary payments and deductions, saying his administration was “correcting historic injustices.”
The reforms extend beyond remuneration.
The county has rolled out a School Meals and Nutrition Programme targeting 63,946 learners in 784 ECDE centres, backed by a Sh64 million budget for daily porridge provision.
The programme is expected to enhance attendance, concentration and retention.
The programme is part of broader efforts to boost enrollment and performance while ensuring no child is disadvantaged.
In addition, Mathematical Activity Books have been introduced to strengthen foundational numeracy and problem-solving skills among young learners.
The governor cited infrastructure gains, including construction of new ECDE classrooms and workshops, as well as procurement of instructional materials to support implementation of the competency-based curriculum.
“This is not about votes; it is about transforming lives. Investing in teachers, feeding learners and equipping classrooms is how we build Meru’s future,” he said.
The reforms form part of the county’s wider education agenda aimed at strengthening foundational learning and improving welfare for early childhood educators.
Edited by John Majau
