Author: Hezron Rooy

Government to Recruit 20,000 Teachers by January, Announces Ruto President William Ruto has outlined significant achievements in the education sector, including addressing critical staffing shortages and ensuring a smooth transition to the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). Speaking in Parliament, he revealed that the education sector was in crisis by 2022, citing severe challenges in teacher shortages and financial instability in public universities. “By 2022, the education sector faced a dire shortage of 110,000 teachers, and 23 out of 40 public universities were technically bankrupt,” President Ruto stated, emphasizing the urgency of reforms. Join Teachers Updates on Facebook Among the struggling institutions…

Sh4.2bn Pledge Fails to End Ongoing University Lecturers’ Strike Students in public universities will face prolonged delays in resuming classes as lecturers maintained their stance on continuing the strike. This came despite the government’s announcement of a Sh4.3 billion offer to partially implement the contested collective bargaining agreement (CBA). In a meeting convened by the National Assembly’s Education Committee, officials from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, and an Inter-Ministerial Committee discussed the strike. The government confirmed that it had secured Sh4.3 billion from the National Treasury to implement the CBA. However,…

First Lady Rachael Ruto Calls for Investment in School Feeding Programs First Lady Rachael Ruto has appealed to African leaders to prioritize investments in school feeding programs, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the continent’s future. She highlighted that these initiatives not only keep children in school but also ensure they receive the education necessary for Africa’s development. While addressing celebrations for this year’s World Children’s Day at Kaptembwa Primary School in Nakuru, Mrs. Ruto stated Kenya’s ambition to deliver 10 million meals daily in schools by 2030. Currently, the country provides 2.5 million meals daily, with plans to expand…

Sossion Calls for Overhaul of CBC and Accountability in Education Sector. Former KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has strongly criticized the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and called for accountability in public universities over alleged mismanagement. Speaking in a recent interview, Sossion urged the government to prioritize reforms and take decisive action to address systemic challenges in the education sector. Sossion emphasized the need to hold individuals accountable for the mismanagement and corruption that has crippled public universities, including Moi University. He argued that embezzlement of funds should not go unpunished, stating that the government must ensure justice and restore…

KCSE Candidate Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances in Turkana. A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate has tragically passed away under unclear circumstances in Turkana County, sparking grief and calls for investigations. The student, identified as John Eali from Talent High School, went missing on Wednesday after completing his Agriculture Paper One examination. He was later found in the school dormitory in critical condition and was rushed to Lodwar Referral Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Eali succumbed to his condition on Thursday night. A family member expressed their distress, stating, “We are heartbroken and disappointed by the school’s management…

President Ruto Defends Higher Education Funding Model Amid Controversy. President William Ruto has stood firm in support of the higher education funding model, despite resistance from various stakeholders and a court order suspending its implementation. Speaking during his state of the nation address on Thursday, he emphasized that the model was introduced to resolve financial instability in higher education institutions. He explained that it prioritizes vulnerable students by offering them up to 95% government support, while simultaneously addressing financial crises threatening universities. Rolled out in 2023, the funding model has drawn criticism for its perceived shortcomings, including high tuition costs…

Kenyatta University VC Grilled Over Financial Irregularities and Mismanagement. Acting Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, Waceke Wanjohi, is under intense scrutiny due to allegations of financial mismanagement and unfair recruitment practices within the institution. Her leadership has raised concerns from both lawmakers and stakeholders. The National Assembly Public Investments Committee (PIC), chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, summoned Wanjohi on November 21 to respond to audit queries flagged in the Auditor General’s report. During the session, lawmakers accused Wanjohi of delaying the submission of Kenyatta University’s financial statements to the Auditor General, thus obstructing the review process. Apart from the delayed…

Ministry of Education Sets Plans for Grade 10 Pathway Placement in 2026. The Ministry of Education is establishing comprehensive guidelines to ensure smooth placement of Grade 10 students into their preferred pathways when they transition to senior schools in 2026. Basic Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang explained that students currently in Grade 8 at junior schools will choose their specialization areas in Grade 9. They will select from three pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Arts, or Sports Discipline courses. He revealed that starting next year, the ministry will conduct simulations to test and refine the placement system before…

Kenyan Universities Encouraged to Offer Underwater Archaeology Courses. Kenyan universities are being encouraged to introduce underwater archaeology courses to train specialists capable of exploring the country’s extensive underwater cultural heritage. Dr. Caesar Bita, Head of Coastal Archaeology at the National Museums of Kenya, highlighted the need for local expertise in this field, noting that Kenya’s rich underwater heritage in the Indian Ocean holds immense potential for cultural tourism and foreign exchange. Dr. Bita lamented the severe shortage of underwater archaeologists in Kenya, stating that he remains the only professional in this area, having studied the discipline abroad. Although he has…

Special Needs Education (SNE): Teacher-Learner Distribution and TSC Deployment Criteria. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in education, particularly for learners with special needs. The Ministry of Education outlined the current situation in special needs institutions, including enrollment numbers, teacher-pupil ratios, and ongoing measures to address teacher shortages and facility requirements. Special Needs Education: Key Statistics The Ministry of Education highlighted the current status of special needs education in Kenya: Join Teachers Updates on Facebook Teacher Deployment Criteria The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) assigns teachers to special needs schools based on three primary considerations: The standard teacher-learner…