President William Ruto on Monday pledged to provide a dedicated budgetary allocation to facilitate the promotion of 50,000 teachers, in a move aimed at addressing longstanding concerns over career progression in the teaching profession.

Speaking during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Kasarani, Nairobi, President Ruto said the planned allocation would enable deserving teachers to advance in their careers.

He said the Government recognized the concerns raised by teachers over stagnation in their career progression and was committed to creating opportunities for professional advancement.

The celebrations brought together teachers from across the basic education sector, their professional organizations and other stakeholders to mark World Teachers’ Day and discuss issues affecting the teaching profession.

The President also highlighted Government interventions aimed at improving learning conditions, including the construction of 23,000 classrooms across the country to ease congestion caused by the growing number of learners.

He said the Government was also employing additional teachers to address staffing shortages in schools while strengthening measures to support teachers and improve the quality of education.

President Ruto further assured Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers that their concerns over administrative autonomy and access to leadership positions would receive consideration.

JSS teachers have raised concerns over their administrative status and career progression, particularly their ability to access leadership positions within schools.

The President said the concerns would be given a fair hearing as the Government continues to address challenges facing the teaching profession.

The World Teachers’ Day celebrations provided an opportunity to recognize the contribution of teachers to the country’s education system while highlighting issues affecting their welfare, career development and working conditions.

The annual event is observed globally to recognize the role of teachers in shaping education systems and supporting the development of learners.

Kenya’s celebrations brought together education stakeholders to reflect on progress made in the sector and the measures required to strengthen teaching and learning.

  By Wangari Ndirangu