By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has revealed that the government lacks sufficient funds to employ 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent terms. Speaking on Citizen TV, Mbadi stated, “We don’t have resources to recruit JSS teachers on permanent and for the additional 20,000 that was reduced in the estimates. There is a shortfall of about Ksh.13 billion.”
Mbadi further explained that making budget adjustments to accommodate the teachers’ employment is a difficult task, saying, “There is no money availed for conversions unless we do budget adjustments which we really don’t have space for. This year has been challenging.”
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to raise funds for teachers’ salary adjustments, saying, “We really had to look around and see how we can raise the money we made available for teachers for their salary adjustments.”
Mbadi’s remarks come as teachers’ unions, KNUT and KUPPET, announced a nationwide strike beginning August 26, 2024, demanding the immediate recruitment of 20,000 new JSS teachers, prompt remittance of third-party deductions, and a commitment to discuss the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
President William Ruto had directed the Treasury and TSC to initiate talks with teachers’ unions to avert industrial action. However, Mbadi’s statement casts doubt on the government’s ability to meet the teachers’ demands, citing a challenging financial year and limited space for budget adjustments.
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Ruto’s administration has been plagued by a series of strikes, with the latest being the teachers’ union strike, which threatens to disrupt the education sector. Notably, his leadership has also faced significant pressure from Gen Z youths, who have leveraged their striking power to effect changes in his governance.
The recent wave of strikes, led by the younger generation, has posed a significant challenge to Ruto’s leadership, forcing him to confront the pressing issues facing the nation. As the situation unfolds, the government’s inability to employ necessary teachers may exacerbate the crisis.
With time running out, the Treasury, TSC, and teachers’ unions are under intense pressure to find a solution, avoid further industrial action, and ensure continuity in learning institutions.”
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