Teacher Recruitment Plan Finally Put On Hold .
Teacher Recruitment Plan Finally Put On Hold . Teacher Recruitment Plan Finally Put on Hold
President Ruto Halts Teacher Recruitment
President William Ruto has announced a pause on the planned recruitment of 20,000 teachers this year due to budget constraints. The withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, has forced the government to reassess its economic situation.
“I had a plan to employ 20,000 teachers this year, but I am suspending it until next year when we can reassess our economic situation,” Ruto stated.
Assurance to Junior Secondary School Teachers
Despite the setback, Ruto reassured the 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers that their positions will still be confirmed. “I want to tell all JSS teachers that, despite the challenges with the Finance Bill, we are committed to confirming their positions this year,” he affirmed.
Government’s Commitment to Permanent Employment
The government aims to employ JSS teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, with a budget of Sh18.3 billion allocated for this purpose. These teachers are currently working as interns but will be fully employed soon.
Impact of Finance Bill Rejection
The rejection of the Finance Bill has created a budget deficit of Sh346 billion. However, Ruto mentioned that the government plans to borrow Sh169 billion to cover part of this shortfall.
 President’s Remarks and Additional Developments
Ruto made these announcements during the official opening of the Kimuka power substation in Kajiado West. He also revealed that 20,000 additional households in Kajiado would be connected to the power grid this year.
 Embezzlement Issues in Schools
Meanwhile, in other news, Ezekiel Machogu, the cabinet secretary for education, has been summoned over allegations of embezzlement of funds by school heads. Concerned parents from Mamunga Primary School in Voi, Taita Taveta County, have demanded the immediate resignation of their headteacher due to alleged misuse of funds.
Parents Demand Accountability
The parents disrupted ongoing lessons, insisting on proof of expenses. “We need proof. Let him show us the invoices to justify his claim that the restroom construction cost Ksh400,000. Accountability is necessary,” one parent demanded.
Parents accused the headteacher and other school administrators of embezzling funds meant for school development. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the overall administration of the school and called for the intervention of Ezekiel Machogu.
 Financial Burden on Parents
Parents voiced concerns about the school’s policy requiring each student to pay Ksh1,000 per month for lunch, which they argued is unaffordable for low-income families. “We are simply asking that the headmaster, treasurer, and their juniors resign. They sit in offices and demand exorbitant amounts from us parents,” another parent stated.
Lack of Transparency in School Administration
Parents pointed out the lack of transparency in the school’s tendering process and questioned the high costs of supplies. They believed that the headteacher and other officials were supplying overpriced materials.
Call for Administrative Changes
Furthermore, the parents argued that certain authorities had overstayed their legally mandated duration at the school. “The headteacher recycles and retains his preferred parent representatives on the board without consulting other class or school parents,” one parent commented.
In addition to demanding the headteacher’s resignation within 14 days, the parents called for the dismissal of account clerks and the immediate formation of a new parent organization.
