Meru: Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government will promote 50,000 teachers through improved budgetary allocation in the upcoming financial year. Prof. Kindiki assured the teaching fraternity that their appeals have been incorporated into the 2026/27 budget by President William Ruto’s administration, focusing on enhancing their welfare.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kindiki revealed that the government initially targeted the promotion of 25,000 teachers. However, after further consultations with the unions, the decision was made to increase this number to 50,000. Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected KUPPET Meru Branch Executive Secretary Njira Muthomi, the Deputy President noted that some teachers have been stuck at the same job level for over a decade.
The Deputy President emphasized the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare by providing better terms of service and increasing the teaching workforce to alleviate individual workloads. He also assured teachers that their health concerns have been addressed, with plans to enhance SHA packages for adequate health coverage.
Prof. Kindiki highlighted the government’s appreciation for teachers, acknowledging their dedication to the welfare of other people’s children. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure, with significant investments leading to the employment of 100,000 teachers since 2022 and plans to hire an additional 20,000.
The national government has allocated Sh765 billion for the education sector in the next financial year, a significant increase from Sh500 billion in 2022. Achievements include the construction of 23,000 classrooms, 1,600 laboratories, and the recruitment of 3,300 tutors for TVET institutions. Discussions are also underway to consider making Junior Secondary School independent, with consultations involving various stakeholders.
