Murang'a ends ECDE strike with salary boost and new job titles

The Murang'a government has signed a return-to-work agreement with early childhood development education teachers, ending a months-long strike that disrupted learning in public ECDE centres across the county.

The agreement, signed with the County Government Workers Union (COGWU), clears the way for teachers to resume duty immediately after both sides reached a consensus on salary increments, job redesignation and other employment concerns.

Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, who presided over the signing, said the agreement resolves the key issues that triggered the industrial action while establishing a framework for continued engagement between the county government and the union.

"We have signed a return-to-work formula agreement between the county government and the union to ensure our ECDE teachers go back to work," he said.

"We have agreed on salary increments, redesignated caregivers as ECDE teachers, and there will be no action taken against teachers because the strike was protected." 

Under the agreement, degree holders will receive a monthly salary increase of Sh10,000, diploma holders Sh6,000 and certificate holders Sh4,000.

The county also agreed to redesignate employees previously classified as caregivers and formally recognise them as ECDE teachers, aligning their job titles with the existing scheme of service.

Munania said the salary increments will be implemented progressively during the contract period until they comply with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines.

He said all pending court cases arising from the dispute will be withdrawn, while teachers have been given 48 hours to sign the new employment contracts to facilitate the full resumption of learning.

The deputy governor also assured teachers that no disciplinary action would be taken against those who participated in the strike, noting the industrial action had been recognised as lawful.

County Government Workers Union deputy secretary general John Ndunda described the agreement as a major milestone for ECDE teachers, particularly because it formally recognises their professional status.

"We have agreed that teachers will return to school immediately. The new contracts change their designation from caregivers to fully fledged ECDE teachers," he said.

Ndunda said interns who had been earning Sh10,000 a month will now receive Sh27,000 under the new arrangement.

He said all ECDE teachers will continue receiving phased salary adjustments throughout the contract period until their remuneration aligns with SRC recommendations.

Ndunda said the agreement also establishes a framework for continued dialogue between the county government and the union to resolve any future labour disputes amicably.

ECDE teacher Joyce Wanjiku welcomed the deal, saying the negotiations had produced a settlement that addressed the concerns raised by teachers.

She said the redesignation from caregivers to ECDE teachers was particularly significant because it recognises the professional role they play in the education sector.

"We are happy because this agreement covers all 1,200 ECDE teachers," Wanjiku said.

She expressed optimism the improved terms of service would motivate teachers and enable them to serve learners with greater dignity and commitment.

The agreement is expected to restore normal learning in all public ECDE centres across Murang'a after months of disruption, with the county government and the union pledging to maintain dialogue to prevent future industrial disputes.