Teachers holding diplomas and degrees in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) have been thrown into confusion after being excluded from the ongoing teachers’ upgrading exercise. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has now stepped in, urging affected educators to submit their details for collective action after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) failed to recognize their qualifications.
Why ECDE Teachers Are Being Left Out
According to a circular issued by KNUT Kiambu West Branch on 29th September 2025, many ECDE diploma and degree holders have been unable to apply for the upgrading programme. The system reportedly rejects their applications because TSC has not recognized ECDE qualifications since 2013. This means that despite investing time, effort, and money to pursue higher education, these teachers remain disadvantaged in terms of promotions and career growth.
KNUT Executive Secretary for Kiambu West, Michael N. M. Muna, described the situation as deeply unfair. He noted that teachers had “labored to acquire” these qualifications only to be sidelined in official upgrading opportunities.
This isn’t the first time ECDE teachers have faced challenges with recognition. Earlier this month, KNUT raised concerns when counties were stopped from handling ECDE teacher salaries after government reforms shifted control to TSC (Read full article here). In a related development, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu also demanded that ECDE teachers be fully moved to the TSC payroll to enjoy equal rights with other educators (See details here). The current upgrading snub only deepens the crisis facing this vital sector.
The Bigger Picture: Why Recognition Matters
1. Career Progression
Teachers without recognized qualifications cannot benefit from the upgrading exercise, which locks them out of higher job groups and better salaries. For many ECDE diploma and degree holders, this means stagnation in the same pay grade for years while their colleagues in primary and secondary schools advance.
2. Professional Dignity
Many educators feel their hard work in acquiring advanced qualifications has been ignored, lowering morale and discouraging professional growth. Professional dignity is a key motivator in education, and denying recognition to qualified teachers erodes trust in the system.
3. Education Standards
By sidelining qualified teachers, the system risks underutilizing their expertise, which could affect the quality of learning in ECDE centres. Research shows that well-trained teachers have a direct impact on learners’ performance, and ignoring their credentials undermines Kenya’s efforts to strengthen foundational learning.
| Issue | Impact on Teachers | Impact on Learners |
|---|---|---|
| No recognition of diplomas/degrees | Stagnation in job groups | Reduced morale, high turnover |
| Exclusion from upgrading | Lost salary progression | Less motivated teachers in classrooms |
| Lack of clear policy since 2013 | Confusion and frustration | Poor consistency in ECDE standards |
What KNUT Is Doing
In response, KNUT is mobilizing affected teachers for a united front. The union has asked ECDE diploma and degree holders to submit their details in PDF format to the branch office through WhatsApp number 0706-410999. The details will then be forwarded to the office of the Secretary General for further action. KNUT intends to use this collective data to push TSC and the Ministry of Education to address the long-standing recognition issue.
KNUT has also promised to escalate the matter if no action is taken soon. Union officials believe that gathering evidence of how many teachers are affected will strengthen their case when engaging policymakers.
Voices from the Ground
Teachers who spoke to KenyanTeachers.com expressed frustration and disappointment:
“I used my savings to study ECDE, but when I applied for the upgrade, my application was rejected. It feels like betrayal,” said one teacher from Kiambu.
Another noted,
“If TSC does not recognize our qualifications, what was the point of studying? KNUT must fight for us.”
This sentiment reflects the pain of many educators who feel abandoned despite doing everything asked of them.
What Affected Teachers Should Do
If you hold a diploma or degree in ECDE and have been excluded from the upgrade:
- Submit Your Details
Forward your information in PDF format to KNUT Kiambu West Branch via WhatsApp: 0706-410999. - Stay Connected With KNUT
Follow updates from your local branch and the union headquarters for progress on negotiations with TSC. - Keep Your Documents Ready
Ensure you have valid copies of your certificates and transcripts in case further verification is required. - Engage in Union Activities
Collective action increases bargaining power. Attend meetings and lend your voice to the push for recognition.
| Action Required | Why It Matters | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Submit details to KNUT | Creates a database of affected teachers | Stronger union negotiation power |
| Keep documents ready | Ensures faster verification | No delays if TSC opens applications |
| Follow union updates | Stay informed on progress | Timely response to changes |
Looking Ahead
The ECDE sector plays a critical role in laying the foundation for Kenya’s education system. If teachers in this sector continue to be sidelined, the ripple effect will harm learners and undermine the government’s own education goals.
For Kenya to achieve quality education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), ECDE must be given the priority it deserves. Qualified teachers must be recognized, motivated, and fairly compensated to deliver effectively.
KNUT’s intervention offers a ray of hope, but the pressure is now on TSC and the Ministry of Education to resolve the recognition dispute once and for all. Policymakers cannot afford to ignore ECDE any longer, especially with the government’s renewed focus on early learning outcomes.
Conclusion
The ongoing upgrade snub has once again exposed the challenges ECDE teachers face in Kenya. While other educators benefit from promotions, many diploma and degree holders remain stuck because of a policy gap dating back to 2013. By submitting their details to KNUT, ECDE teachers are taking the first step toward collective redress. The ball is now in TSC’s court to respond and restore fairness in the profession.
The fight for recognition is not just about salaries—it is about dignity, career growth, and the future of Kenyan children. Teachers, unions, and stakeholders must continue pressing until every qualified ECDE teacher is recognized and given a fair chance to grow.
Am 100% supporting the issue pointed out because it also affect me bearing in mind that am a CBC compliant DECTE course first cohort, i will be very happy for action to be taken positively thank you
Infact it’s so sad that we male ECDE teachers are the most sidelined with the county governments,we are not recognized at all.we are rotting in private sector .we are equal to the task just like our counterparts in TSC,it’s high time for the TSC to intervene and start employing ECD teachers.