Author: Hezron Rooy

Tears Flow at Nyeri Memorial for Dormitory Fire Victims of Endarasha Academy. On Thursday, thousands of mourners gathered at Mweiga stadium in Nyeri County to pay their respects to 21 boys who tragically lost their lives in a dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy earlier this month. The memorial service was marked by profound grief, as family members carried the white and gold caskets into a large dome-shaped tent set up for the ceremony. The location was approximately 170 kilometers (100 miles) from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The fire, which erupted on September 6, swept through the dormitory while…

Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) at Risk if CDF Cease Operation. Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the country could experience substantial difficulties if the court ruling that halted the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) remains in effect until its potential discontinuation on June 30, 2026. The CDF has been a vital financial resource for students in VTCs, acting as a lifeline for institutions that do not benefit from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding. Without these essential funds, many financially disadvantaged learners may lose their opportunity to gain important job market skills. VTCs have historically depended on two key sources of funding:…

Government Embarks on Boarding School Security Assessments Across Kenya. The Kenya government is currently evaluating safety and security protocols in all 198 boarding primary schools across the Western region. This comprehensive exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of learners, according to the Regional Director of Education, Jared Obiero. Mr. Obiero emphasized that the government is dedicated to improving the safety and overall well-being of students in the region. Speaking on Wednesday, he explained that a team, which includes Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASO), is conducting the assessments. The team is focused on both safety and health…

Public University Lecturers End Strike After 10 Percent Salary Increase. The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) ended their lecturers’ strike following discussions with the inter-ministerial committee on Thursday. The decision was reached after Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, led negotiations between the committee and representatives from UASU and KUSU. The strike, which began on September 18, was a response to delays in finalizing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). An inter-ministerial committee was formed to resolve the impasse between the lecturers and the government. Agreement Terms and Withdrawal of Legal…

Govt Reassures Student’s’ Safety in Schools The death of 21 boys in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire has been marked as a significant turning point for improving security measures in educational institutions across the nation. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Julius Migos, emphasized that the tragedy on September 5 will lead to a stronger focus on ensuring the safety of all learners in schools. Migos, addressing mourners during an interdenominational funeral service at Mweiga Stadium, reassured the public of the government’s determination to identify the cause of the fire and hold those responsible accountable. He noted that parents should never have…

46,000 JSS Intern Teachers Must Apply Afresh For Permanent Job Consideration, Says Ogamba. The ongoing dispute between the government and teachers has resurfaced, particularly regarding the status of 46,000 interns. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the intern teachers must submit new applications to be considered for permanent and pensionable positions. He explained that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would commence the transition process for these interns, which is set to continue until December. Ogamba stated that the Commission would require the teachers to undergo a competitive selection process in compliance with the Constitution and relevant laws. Follow Teachers…

Parliament Committee Demands Immediate Confirmation of 46,000 JSS Teachers. The National Parliament Committee on Education voiced frustration over the delay in confirming the intern teachers. Chairman Julius Melly highlighted that the TSC had been allocated Sh18 billion and expected all 46,000 interns to have been confirmed by now. He sought clarity on when job advertisements for these positions would be issued and inquired about the reasons for the prolonged confirmation process. Melly expressed the committee’s concerns about the process and the lack of timely confirmations for the teachers. This new information has been disappointing for the intern teachers, who had…

Teachers’ Unions Oppose Ministry’s Fresh Application Plan for 46,000 JSS Interns. In contrast, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary General Akello Misori rejected this announcement, asserting that all interns should automatically be transitioned to permanent roles. Misori emphasized that the Cabinet Secretary is not the employer of teachers and should refrain from interfering in such matters. He warned that the announcement could lead to unnecessary friction between educators and the government. “That statement will create unnecessary tension between teachers and the government. “They (interns) shoul convert all the 46,000 teachers automatically to permanent and pensionable terms,” he…

Ministry of Education Unveils committee to Review New University Funding Model. The Ministry of Education has established a National Committee to improve the recently introduced university funding model, ensuring equal access to higher education for all students. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in developing and refining educational policies. He reiterated this during the inauguration of the National Committee at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. Ogamba explained that the new funding model, which incorporates a blend of scholarships and loans, aims to promote equity in financing for university…

KNEC Invites Public to Address Exam-Related Concerns. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is actively participating in the 2024 Nairobi International Trade Fair, providing various examination and assessment-related services at their stand. Follow Teachers Updates Page On Facebook Attendees can engage with KNEC representatives to address inquiries on several key topics: Available Services: The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) encourages visitors to explore these services at the stand and get the support they need for various assessment and certification processes. ALSO READ: KNEC Invites Public to Address Exam-Related Concerns.