Siaya: More than 600 early childhood development and education teachers in Siaya have accused the area county government of neglecting their welfare and failing to pay them millions of shillings in unpaid salary arrears. According to the teachers, the county government has not paid them their dues for the last three years when they were absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms of service.

According to Kenya News Agency, the teachers voiced their grievances after their attempt to meet with the governor, James Orengo, fell through. They expressed concerns over neglect and unfair treatment by the county administration, which they claim is withholding gratuities owed from their decade-long service prior to their conversion to permanent terms.

Led by Siaya ECD teachers' chairman Barrack Omondi, the teachers highlighted their initial engagement under the previous governor, Cornel Rasanga, in 2016. Despite working under renewed contracts until 2023, they now face irregular employment practices and favoritism within the payroll system. Omondi criticized the disparity in treatment, noting that some teachers receive payments and invitations to training while others are sidelined.

Teacher Lillian Adhiambo shared that despite receiving permanent and pensionable letters in May 2023, they have not received their salaries up to February 2024. She pointed out that other county employees hired at the same time have received their arrears, while their own pleas remain unaddressed.

The Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) Siaya branch executive secretary, Elly Odongo, emphasized the adverse effects of the situation on the teachers, urging Governor James Orengo to take action.