Ruto Sets Aside KSh4.9 Billion to Move 20,000 Teachers to Permanent Jobs

Twenty thousand teachers who have served under contracts for at least two years are set to secure permanent and pensionable employment from January 2027. President William Ruto said KSh4.9 billion had been allocated in the current budget to finance the transition.

The announcement was made on Monday, October 5, during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Kasarani Stadium. Ruto said the move would provide greater employment security for teachers who have remained on contractual terms.

20,000 More Teachers to Be Hired

Ruto also announced that another 20,000 teachers would be recruited before the end of 2026. He said the latest recruitment would bring the number of teachers hired by his administration over four years to 120,000.

According to the President, the government had inherited a major teacher shortage, with schools requiring about 116,000 additional teachers. The latest recruitment drive is expected to further increase the number of teachers serving in public schools.

Government Addresses Education Challenges

Ruto said the government had also been dealing with challenges surrounding the implementation of Competency-Based Education. He cited inadequate classrooms and laboratories as some of the problems that needed to be addressed as junior secondary education expanded.

The President also highlighted financial difficulties affecting public universities. He said institutions were facing major funding gaps, with government financing covering about 40 per cent of teaching costs against an expected 80 per cent.

Ruto said the government had since taken steps to address the challenges facing the education sector. The planned teacher recruitment and conversion of contractual staff are among the measures being implemented as the government seeks to strengthen the country's teaching workforce.