Author: Hezron Rooy

Drama Erupts as JSS Teachers Demands 500 National Positions in KNUT Before Joining At a recent Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) conference, Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers raised demands to secure representation within the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). Currently unaffiliated with any union, the teachers expressed a desire to join KNUT but outlined specific conditions for membership, including the allocation of 500 national positions within the union’s structure. Representing the group, Mr. Omari highlighted that JSS teachers have endured numerous unresolved challenges due to the absence of union representation. He explained that teachers had been advised to…

KNUT Advocate for TSC Policy Change on Acting Positions for Teachers. During the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) conference, delegates discussed and unanimously recommended that no teacher should hold an acting position in a role beyond their job group. This practice, according to Knut, has placed teachers at a disadvantage. The teachers highlighted that when such acting positions are eventually filled, those who held the roles temporarily are often overlooked due to their lower job group, despite their service in the acting capacity. Knut further emphasized that acting positions should only be awarded to teachers whose grades are close…

TSC CEO Says 300,000 Teachers Retooled on CBC, 20,000 Currently Being Recruited At the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) delegates conference held in Mombasa, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia conveyed optimism about resolving any arising issues amicably with teachers. Macharia emphasized that the cordial relationship between TSC and teachers has created a favorable environment for collaboration to improve the education sector. The TSC and the Ministry of Education expressed readiness for the rollout of Grade 9 in January 2025. The commission assured parents of its commitment to deploy adequately trained teachers to cater to the pioneer class.…

KNUT Pushes for Teacher Promotions, Better Salaries and Conditions in 2025-2029 CBA. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has reiterated that the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must prioritize addressing key concerns of teachers. These include enhanced salaries, timely promotions, and improved working conditions for educators across the country. Key Highlights of the 64th ADC The union’s National Chairman, Patrick Karinga, emphasized the importance of the CBA while addressing delegates at the 64th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa on December 10, 2024. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of teachers to the nation and…

TSC to Replace 6,000 Teachers The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans to advertise 6,000 replacement slots to fill vacancies left by teachers who have exited the service due to natural attrition. This announcement was made during the 64th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) held at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa. The replacement process will adhere to TSC’s Code of Regulations. By the end of December, over 10,000 teachers will leave the TSC payroll upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. Among those retiring, a significant number are classroom teachers, while others hold administrative roles.…

Nancy Macharia to Retire as TSC CEO After a Decade of Service. Nancy Macharia, the CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has announced her retirement, set for early next year, concluding her ten-year term. Appointed in June 2015 and reappointed in 2020, she made the announcement during the Kenya National Union of Teachers’ (Knut) annual general meeting in Mombasa. Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to Knut for their professionalism and support over the years. Join Teachers Updates on Facebook She acknowledged the partnership with Knut and shared her satisfaction with their collaborative efforts to enhance the teaching…

President Ruto Advocates for Local Teachers in Pastoralist Regions, Promises 20,000 New Teacher Jobs. During a recent address in Wajir, President William Ruto reiterated his commitment to addressing the education challenges faced by pastoralist communities. Emphasizing the need for local teachers, the president highlighted the importance of pastoralists embracing teaching as a profession to ensure sustainable education in their regions. President Ruto pointed out that many pastoralist communities appreciate education but overlook the critical role of teachers. He stated that relying on teachers from other areas has often led to classrooms without instructors, especially during periods of crisis when external…

Government to Roll Out New TVET Funding Model Before Christmas. A new funding model for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) institutions is set to be unveiled before Christmas, according to Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the Principal Secretary of Tvet. The model promises significant changes from the existing university funding framework and aims to address unique challenges in the Tvet sector. Dr. Muoria emphasized that this model will provide guaranteed funding of Sh85,000 annually to every Tvet student, regardless of their background. This initiative is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on students and their families. While commissioning…

Government Eases Concerns Over Grade 9 Rollout, Allocates Ksh.11B for Classrooms. The Ministry of Education has assured parents and stakeholders in the education sector that the transition of Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) will proceed smoothly. With schools set to reopen in less than a month, many schools are reportedly unprepared to accommodate the pioneer Grade 9 learners in January 2025. Progress in Infrastructure Development Classroom Construction The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang’, reported that the construction of 11,000 classrooms is ongoing nationwide. The government allocated Ksh.11 billion for this initiative, with each classroom costing Ksh.1…

Kenya’s First Gemology Facility Launched at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic. The National Government has inaugurated a Sh47 million gemology laboratory at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (TTNP), marking Kenya’s first facility of its kind. This initiative aims to address the skills gap in gemstone identification, grading, and value addition. The lab positions TTNP as a center of excellence in gemology, equipping graduates to meet global industry standards. Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary (PS) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering youth and artisanal miners. She stated that TTNP must maximize the facility’s potential, calling…