Public school teachers across the country will receive their July and August salary increases from Friday, August 30, 2024, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced.
The payment is part of the ongoing implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with Ksh 13.5 billion recently released by the National Treasury for facilitation.
CS Ogamba said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been working tirelessly to ensure that all public school teachers receive their salary increments by the due date. He emphasized that the move reflects the government’s commitment to address the problems of teachers and restore social harmony in the education sector. To achieve this, the government is actively partnering with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Ogamba expressed confidence that these discussions will result in the resumption of the work of KUPPET members, given the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA and the handling of other administrative issues by the TSC.
In anticipation of the reopening of schools on Monday, August 26, 2024, the government released 21.8 billion ksh for public institutions. CS Ogamba emphasized the importance of these funds to ensure a smooth resumption of school activities. He urged school principals to use the funds appropriately for the benefit of students and warned against charging unauthorized fees.
*The distribution of funds is as follows:*
Free primary education: Ksh 1.6 billion
Free day Primary education: Ksh 6.1 billion
Free day secondary education: Ksh 14.1 billion.
The release of these funds comes amid concerns about a national strike by teachers, which would coincide with the reopening of schools. Although the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) called off its strike, KUPPET continued its strike.
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, President William Samoei Ruto announced that the government will employ 20,000 additional teachers by the end of the year to address staff shortages in public schools.
Also, CS Ogamba disclosed that Ksh 18.7 billion has been allocated for the conversion of intern teachers to and Pensionable status in January 2025. He promised to solve or plan to solve all the major problems that led to the notices to strike at short notice.
Ogamba also urged primary school teachers who have to return to work to do so quickly before the third term to prepare students for national assessments and exams and ensure that the curriculum for other classes is complete for a transition smooth between education levels.
Addressing the issue of funding for trainees of national polytechnic and technical and vocational and training (TVET) institutions, CS Ogamba said the government, in collaboration with the National Treasury, is trying to disburse Ksh 3.3 billion in grants, scholarships and student loans.
This timely reimbursement is essential for the normal functioning of TVET institutions and the convenience of trainees.
