Kenya teachers await fulfillment of President Ruto's welfare pledges

Nearly a year after President William Ruto met with over 10,000 teachers at State House, several key commitments regarding teacher welfare and career progression remain unfulfilled.

A primary pledge to increase annual teacher promotions from 25,000 to 50,000 has not met its target, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) advertising only approximately 34,000 vacancies. Mugwe Macharia of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) noted that the expected doubling of promotion slots has not materialized, renewing concerns over career stagnation.

Other unresolved promises include the reduction of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) implementation period from four years to two, the employment of 20,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, and the provision of affordable housing units for teachers. Additionally, the President had directed a review of Career Progression Guidelines to assist teachers in advancing their professional status.