Kenya, Sept. 17 -- Teachers receive Sh10K each at State House meeting, a gesture that has sparked both praise and controversy among educators and the public alike. The payout, confirmed by Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Chairman Omboko Milemba, was provided as transport reimbursement to delegates who attended a high-level consultative forum hosted by President William Ruto on September 13, 2025, at State House, Nairobi.
The event drew over 10,000 teachers and education stakeholders from across the country, marking one of the largest gatherings of its kind under the current administration. Representatives from major unions and associations, including 3,300 from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), 2,000 from KUPPET, 400 from the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET), 2,300 from the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), and 2,000 from the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), converged to discuss pressing issues in the education sector.
According to Milemba, who also serves as the Emuhaya Member of Parliament, the Sh10,000 per teacher was not a handout but a practical measure to cover travel expenses for participants from far-flung regions.
"Teachers did not go to State House for money; this was reimbursement to ensure they could make the journey back home," he stated in a press briefing on September 15, 2025. He emphasized that the total allocation amounted to approximately KSh 100 million, reflecting the scale of the event and the government's commitment to supporting educators' welfare.
The meeting, described by KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori as a "stakeholder consultation on non-labor-related issues," focused on broader education reforms rather than immediate salary negotiations. Key topics included the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the leadership structure for junior secondary schools, and the employment freeze on Primary One (P-1) teachers.
Milemba highlighted that the visit had already unlocked pathways for hiring more teachers, particularly those nearing retirement who had been sidelined due to the freeze. "This trip will see an increase in employment opportunities for P-1 teachers," he added, noting that discussions with President Ruto paved the way for administrative changes, such as allowing secondary school teachers to head junior schools instead of primary headteachers doubling up.
However, the event was not without drama. Reports emerged of teachers heckling Misori during the proceedings, with frustrations boiling over into chants that lasted several minutes. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok had to intervene to restore order, as captured in videos circulating on social media. Critics, including opposition voices, labeled the gathering a "public relations stunt," questioning the dignity of queuing overnight for reimbursements and accusing it of eroding the teaching profession's prestige.
Social media reactions have been mixed. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), supporters hailed the initiative as a step toward addressing teachers' long-standing grievances, with one user posting, "Finally, some recognition for our educators-transport money is a start!" Detractors, however, decried it as tokenism, arguing that real solutions lie in resolving ongoing strikes over pay and working conditions. "Sh10K won't fix the CBC mess or unpaid salaries," tweeted a KNUT branch official.
Milemba, in defending the payout, refuted bribery allegations, insisting the focus remained on policy outcomes. He pointed out that the reimbursements ensured inclusivity, allowing teachers from rural areas like Emuhaya in Vihiga County to participate without financial burden. The meeting also touched on union rivalries, such as disputes between KNUT and KUPPET over junior school membership and administration.
As Kenya grapples with education challenges amid economic pressures, this State House engagement signals potential shifts. Education experts suggest it could lead to a three-tier school system proposed by KUPPET to ease CBC implementation. With teachers set to resume duties post the event, all eyes are on whether these discussions translate into actionable reforms.
The Teachers receive Sh10K each at State House meeting episode underscores the delicate balance between government outreach and union demands. While the transport support has been welcomed by many, calls for comprehensive welfare improvements continue to echo. For now, the reimbursements provide a tangible win, but educators remain vigilant for deeper commitments.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.