Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has said the government has exceeded expectations in addressing key issues affecting teachers, citing increased recruitment, promotions and improved welfare.
Speaking during the national World Teachers' Day celebrations at Kasarani Gymnasium in Nairobi, Oyuu said teachers had witnessed notable progress in employment and career development since 2022.
"I did say, and I want to repeat here, that on matters of education, you have exceeded expectations," Oyuu said.
He cited the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers, the increase in funding for teacher promotions from Ksh1 billion to Ksh2 billion and measures aimed at improving teachers' access to affordable housing.
The remarks came as teachers gathered to mark World Teachers' Day, with this year's celebrations focusing on the profession's contribution to Kenya's education system and the need to strengthen teachers' welfare and professional status.
The government also announced plans to expand the current teacher promotion exercise from 34,016 positions to 50,000, following additional funding to support the exercise.
A further 20,000 teachers are expected to be recruited by December, bringing the number hired since 2022 to about 120,000.
The government has also set aside Ksh4 billion to facilitate the conversion of 20,000 contract teachers who have served for at least two years to permanent and pensionable terms from January 2027.
Consultations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers' unions on revised career progression guidelines have been completed, with the proposals awaiting consideration by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Teacher training has also remained a key focus, with more than 220,000 teachers having undergone retooling as the country continues with the transition to Competency-Based Education.
The education sector has received Ksh7 billion in the 2026/27 financial year, with the allocation expected to support teaching, learning and other education programmes.
The government has further maintained its plan to reserve 20 per cent of affordable housing units for teachers, with discussions on a check-off system to enable teachers to make payments through their salaries.
Oyuu has previously defended his support for the government, saying KNUT would work with the administration of the day to advance teachers' interests.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment