Government Allocates Sh13.5 Billion for Teacher Salary Increases.
In a decisive move to address the ongoing teachers’ strike and ensure the smooth reopening of schools, the government has released Sh13.5 billion to cover the salary increments for public school teachers. This payment, part of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is set to be disbursed by the end of this week. While the Ministry of Education works tirelessly to resolve administrative issues through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the assurance of student safety remains a priority as parents send their children back to school amidst the strike.
Swift Government Action Amid Teacher Strike
The Ministry of Education intervened to resolve the teacher strike, which disrupted the academic calendar. While the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) called off their national strike after discussions with the government, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) urged its members to continue the boycott until they addressed concerns about unpaid salaries and promotions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has been at the forefront of these negotiations. He assured the public that the government is committed to paying teachers all their pending dues, emphasizing that the Sh13.5 billion released is part of the ongoing implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA. Teachers can expect to receive their July and August salary increments by Friday, a move aimed at resolving the stalemate and ensuring that learning continues without further interruptions.
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Even with the ongoing strike, students have begun returning to schools, encouraged by KNUT’s decision to resume classes. Ogamba, speaking at the 54th International Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) at Lake Naivasha Resort, also highlighted the government’s efforts to address the teacher shortage by fully employing 20,000 intern teachers currently working in Junior Secondary Schools by the end of the year.
Government’s Broader Efforts to Strengthen Education
In addition to resolving the strike, the government is taking significant steps to strengthen Kenya’s education system. To address the acute shortage of teachers, the Ministry of Education is actively seeking funds to employ an additional 46,000 intern teachers. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education by ensuring that schools are adequately staffed.
During the ATUPA conference, CS Ogamba issued appointment letters to 2,000 new trainers who will deploy to 242 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. With over 7,000 TVET trainers currently in service, these new trainers will help bridge the gap in technical education, which still needs more than 15,000 teachers to meet the country’s demands.
Read also:
- Kuppet Urges Teachers to Defy Court Order and Continue Strike
- Labour Court Halts Kuppet Teachers’ Strike Amidst TSC Dispute
- Updates on the TSC Phase 2 Salary Increase
- TSC Current Salary Scales per Job Group According to the Signed CBA
Furthermore, Principal Secretary for TVET, Esther Muoria, announced the rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning program. This initiative aims to formally certify technically skilled Jua Kali artisans, acknowledging their expertise and enabling them to access better job opportunities. Over 700 graduates have already received certifications, and the government is encouraging more Kenyans with informal skills to come forward for assessment and certification.
Key Takeaways
The government’s release of Sh13.5 billion towards teacher salary increments is a significant step in resolving the ongoing strike and ensuring the smooth continuation of the academic calendar. While addressing immediate concerns, the Ministry of Education is also focusing on long-term solutions, such as employing more teachers and strengthening the TVET sector. The rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning program further demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognizing and certifying the skills of all Kenyans, providing them with greater opportunities in the job market.
Government Allocates Sh13.5 Billion for Teacher Salary Increases.
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