CS Migos statement on schools reopening and intern teachers

OFFICE OF THE CABINET SECRETARY
August 27^th 2024

Briefing Statement

UPDATE ON SCHOOL OPENING AND TVET FUNDING

The Ministry of Education is closely monitoring the opening of schools for the third term. Since yesterday, our field officers have been visiting schools countrywide to assess the status of teaching and learning activities.

Based on reports that we have received from the field, learners continue to report to their respective schools for the third term.

This is attributable to the increased confidence among parents and guardians, following the decision by the Kenya National Union of Teachers to call off their intended strike.

 As proof the Government’s good faith and commitment to address teachers’ concerns, the Teachers Service Commission has worked round the clock to ensure that all public school teachers are paid their July and August salary raises by Friday this week.

This is in implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), after the National Treasury released Ksh. 13.5 Billion for the same.

To restore full industrial harmony in the education sector, the Government is engaged in talks with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET).

We are confident that these talks will result in KUPPET members returning to work, given that the Government has fully implemented the second phase of the CBA and that the other administrative issues are being addressed by the Teachers Service Commission through an amicable, methodical and consultative manner.

On Sunday, 25^th August, 2024, for example, His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, EGH announced that the Government will employ an additional 20,000 teachers by the end of the year to ease the shortage of staff in public schools.

The Government has also provided Ksh. 18.7 Billion for the conversion of intern teachers to permanent and pensionable status in January 2025.

In effect, all the major issues that had prompted strike notices have either been addressed, or are lined up for decisive conclusion within short timelines.

We therefore beseech those teachers that may not have resumed work to return to their work stations to prepare candidates for national assessments and examinations, while also ensuring that the syllabus for other classes is covered to facilitate smooth transition across the various levels of education.

On funding for our trainees in National Polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, we are working with the National Treasury to start the disbursement of the Ksh. 3.3 Billion in capitation and scholarship grants, and loans for trainees.

We are keen on a timely disbursement of the resources to assure seamless operations in our TVET institutions, to guar tee the convenience of our trainees.

Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS
CABINET SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION