CS Migosi: Teachers’ Two-Month Salary Increments to Be Paid This Friday.
The Ministry of Education has assured public school teachers that their July and August salary increments will be paid by this Friday. This commitment, part of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), aims to prevent further unrest within the education sector. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos confirmed that the Treasury has already released Sh13.5 billion to fund the salary adjustments.
As public primary schools reopened this week, many reported a low turnout of students. Meanwhile, secondary school teachers, under the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (Kuppet), have continued to protest, marking Tuesday’s second strike day. Despite these challenges, CS Migos emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring the reopening of schools for the third term.
“Since yesterday, our field officers have been visiting schools across the country to assess the status of teaching and learning activities,” Migos stated. He added that reports indicate a gradual increase in student attendance, which he attributes to the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) decision to call off their planned strike on Sunday.
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To demonstrate the government’s commitment to resolving teachers’ grievances, Migos revealed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been working tirelessly to ensure that all public school teachers receive their salary raises by Friday. This move will restore confidence among educators and pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing strike.
The government is actively negotiating with Kuppet to end the strike and restore industrial harmony in the education sector. Migos expressed confidence that these discussions would result in Kuppet members returning to work. He highlighted that the government has fully implemented the second phase of the CBA and is addressing other administrative issues through a consultative process led by the TSC.
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On Sunday, President William Ruto announced plans to employ an additional 20,000 teachers by the end of the year. This initiative aims to alleviate the severe teacher shortage in public schools. Furthermore, the State has pledged Sh18.7 billion to employ intern teachers on a permanent and pensionable basis starting in January 2025. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and addressing long-standing issues affecting teachers.
CS Migos highlighted that the ministry has resolved most issues that led to the strike notices or is about to do so. He urged teachers who have not yet resumed work to return to their stations, stressing the need to prepare students for national assessments and complete the syllabi on time. Migos also emphasized the importance of this preparation to ensure a smooth transition across different education levels.
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In addition to addressing teachers’ concerns, the Ministry of Education is working with the Treasury to disburse Sh3.3 billion in capitation and scholarship grants and loans for trainees in national polytechnics and other technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. Migos gave assurance that the government will release these resources promptly to ensure seamless operations within these institutions.
The Ministry of Education’s swift action to address the salary increments and ongoing strike highlights the government’s dedication to resolving issues within the education sector. By Friday, public school teachers will receive their outstanding salary raises, a move that will restore confidence and stability. As the government continues to negotiate with Kuppet and implement broader initiatives, such as employing more teachers and ensuring timely funding for TVET institutions, there is hope for a swift resolution to the current unrest.
CS Migosi: Teachers’ Two-Month Salary Increments to Be Paid This Friday.
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