A high-profile meeting between President William Ruto and thousands of teachers at State House on Saturday turned into a candid forum where the head of state was confronted with the deep-rooted challenges ailing Kenya’s education sector. What was intended as a consultative gathering quickly evolved into a platform for teachers to air grievances that have been simmering for years, demanding immediate action from the government.
Financial Strain in Schools
At the heart of the teachers’ concerns was the crippling financial state of schools. With delayed and sometimes inadequate disbursement of capitation funds, school operations have been thrown into disarray. Heads of institutions revealed that they are drowning in debt, forced to borrow or send students home for unpaid fees just to keep learning activities afloat. Teachers stressed that unless the Treasury releases funds on time, the promise of accessible and quality education will remain unfulfilled.
Stalled Promotions and Demoralization
Another issue that dominated the discussions was the stalling of teacher promotions. Union leaders decried the backlog of deserving educators who have stagnated in the same job groups for years, despite further training and exemplary service. According to the teachers, the lack of a transparent and timely promotion system has eroded morale, with many questioning the value of professional development when recognition and upward mobility remain elusive.
Health Cover in Crisis
The meeting also spotlighted the ailing teachers’ medical insurance scheme, which many claim is ineffective and exploitative. Teachers narrated experiences of being turned away from hospitals, delayed reimbursements, and high out-of-pocket expenses despite mandatory deductions for medical cover. Union officials pressed the President to overhaul the scheme, ensuring it provides reliable and dignified healthcare to all members.
Unified Voices of Teachers’ Unions
The talks brought together leaders of teachers’ unions and heads’ associations, presenting a rare united front. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) jointly pushed the government to take bold steps in addressing their plight. They argued that a demotivated teaching workforce cannot deliver on the country’s ambitious education reforms, including the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
📌 Key Teacher Demands at State House
- Timely and increased school financing to stop debts and prevent interruptions in learning.
- Transparent and fair promotions for deserving teachers to boost morale and career progression.
- Overhaul of the medical insurance scheme to ensure accessible, dependable, and dignified healthcare.
In response, President Ruto acknowledged the concerns raised, pledging that his administration would work closely with stakeholders to find lasting solutions. However, teachers made it clear that promises alone are no longer enough—they expect concrete reforms to restore confidence in the system.
The State House meeting underscored one reality: the challenges facing Kenya’s education sector are not just administrative hiccups but systemic problems that require urgent, transparent, and sustained interventions. For teachers, Saturday’s gathering was not just about voicing frustrations but about demanding accountability and action from the highest office in the land.
