President William Ruto has promised major reforms for teachers in Kenya following a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday. More than 10,000 representatives from teachers’ unions attended the meeting.
Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) Review
Ruto assured teachers that the government will honor existing CBAs while allowing room for improvements. He agreed to shorten the CBA review cycle from four years to two. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Ministry of Education, and teacher leaders will implement this change.
School Financing and Capitation
Teachers raised concerns over delays in capitation fund disbursements and mismatched school and government financial calendars. Ruto promised to harmonize the systems by December.
Currently, primary schools receive Sh1,400 per pupil instead of the recommended Sh2,238, while secondary schools get Sh17,000 instead of Sh22,000. Ruto pledged to reduce this gap by half next year and close it completely the following year.
He also announced that learners pursuing Arts and Sports will receive direct capitation starting January 2026, rather than being classified as extracurricular activities.
Promotions and Career Progression
Ruto pledged to double promotion funds from Sh1 billion to Sh2 billion annually. This will allow at least 50,000 teachers to be promoted each year. He also directed a review of promotion costs for head teachers and Career Progression Guidelines.
Teacher Welfare: Medical Cover and Housing
Ruto acknowledged that teachers’ medical cover lags behind other civil servants. He promised a review to bring it in line with market standards.
On housing, 20% of affordable housing units will be reserved for teachers. An MoU between teachers’ unions and the Affordable Housing Board was signed.
Policy Reforms
The President called for the elimination of the unpopular delocalization policy and fast-tracking of Sessional Paper No.1 of 2025, which consolidates all education reforms. Competency-Based Education resource centers will also be set up in every subcounty.
Ruto emphasized the importance of teachers, saying: “Education is at the heart of our nation’s progress, and teachers are its drivers.”
This meeting signals a new era of dialogue, improved welfare, and faster career progression for teachers across Kenya.
