The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) faces a significant challenge in hiring 46,000 junior secondary school teachers on permanent and pensionable terms due to a budget shortfall. The Treasury allocated 13.4 billion shillings, 5 billion shillings less than the 18.7 billion shillings appropriated by the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee. Initially, the TSC requested 30 billion shillings for the conversion of teacher interns to permanent status. Despite the education sector receiving 656.6 billion shillings for the 2024-2025 financial year, the funding gap complicates efforts to improve teacher employment conditions. Teachers are advocating for a supplementary budget to address the deficit and ensure all intern teachers are accommodated.
The recently introduced university funding model in Kenya, launched by President William Ruto in May 2023, aims to resolve financial crises in public universities and TVET colleges. However, it has sparked significant debate among educators and policymakers. Critics argue the model falls short in addressing affordability and relies on questionable data for means testing, leaving many students unable to pursue higher education. Exclusion of private universities from funding and concerns over government budget cuts further complicate the issue. Stakeholders call for more inclusive, transparent policy-making and better communication to ensure accessible, affordable higher education for all Kenyan students.
Secondary school heads in Kenya warn of potential early closures for the midterm break due to delayed government capitation payments. Schools have only received 8,300 Kenya Shillings per student this year, short of the expected 11,000 Shillings for term one, leading to financial struggles. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machu assures that no school will close early and promises that the second term capitation will be released soon, though no specific timeline was provided. Schools urge the Ministry to address funding discrepancies and ensure timely disbursements to avoid operational disruptions.
The Ministry of Education, led by Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, has announced changes to how universities disclose fees, aiming to make higher education more accessible. The revision, prompted by concerns from Members of Parliament, will require universities to indicate fees expected at the household level, excluding government funding contributions. This move addresses complaints that previous fee disclosures were discouragingly high, deterring students from enrolling. Additionally, the Ministry will review the criteria for financial aid distribution and address funding delays that have impacted students and universities. The changes are part of efforts to ensure students choose courses based on their qualifications rather than financial constraints.
"Stakeholders unite to advocate for comprehensive Life Skills Education (LSE) integration in Kenyan schools, emphasizing its role in shaping well-rounded individuals. From government agencies to parental associations, collaborative efforts aim to equip students with essential skills for personal and societal success. Ongoing initiatives target thousands of adolescents, emphasizing decision-making and improved learning outcomes. However, challenges persist, urging for dedicated curriculum slots and enhanced parental involvement. With a focus on inclusivity and holistic development, stakeholders envision a future where LSE plays a central role in nurturing empowered individuals."
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