Ruto to teachers: Salary arrears will be paid in 2 days

President William Ruto has announced that the government will release Sh13 billion to pay teachers’ salary arrears in the next two days.

This will fulfil the terms of Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) that the government signed with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet).

“At the end of this month, all your dues will be paid so that you can continue teaching our children,” he said on Wednesday in Kuja, Nyatike Constituency, in Migori County.

Delay in the implementation of the CBA led to strike notices by the two teacher unions, which would have affected learning in public schools.

He termed as “patriotic” Knut’s decision to suspend their industrial action to allow the government time to implement the CBA.

At the same time, he urged Junior School teachers on contract to be patient as the government implements their transition from intern to permanent terms of employment.

“The Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry of Education are putting in place measures to ensure the confirmation of all JSS teachers,” he said.

The President, who started a four-day inspection of development projects in Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu counties on Wednesday focused on construction of roads and government investment in education, water and electricity, among others .

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governors Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, James Orengo (Siaya), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a) and Simba Arati (Kisii), Cabinet Secretaries and other leaders were present.

In Kegonga, Kuria East Constituency, President Ruto launched the Kegonga Cluster Water Supply Project that will provide 1.85 million litres a day and benefit 15,000 households in Migori County.

Additionally, the government will spend KSh1.6 billion to connect 19,000 households in Migori County to power under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme. 

At the same time, the government will build 11 modern fresh produce markets in the  county to give traders a conducive and dignified environment to do business.

On healthcare, the President called on Kenyans to register for the Universal Health Coverage and enjoy free medical services.

“Whether employed or not, it is your right to receive medical care paid for by the government,” he said.

Later in Nyatike, he rolled out the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project that will irrigate 19,000 acres of land and is expected produce 80,000 tonnes of rice a year.

The government has set aside KSh68 million for land compensation to residents affected by the project, the President announced.

He urged farmers in the region to take advantage of the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme to increase yields.

Further, he instructed the National Cereals and Produce Board and the leadership of Migori County to find a market for rice farmers in Nyatike. 

At Ngenge, Suna East, he switched on power at the home of Mr Andrew Owuor Masubo, and later commissioned the tarmacking of Ngege-Mapera-Rabuor road.

Throughout the visit, the President emphasised the need for Kenyans to shun tribalism and political division, saying the country will achieve a lot more in unity.

“God did not make a mistake to make us live in one nation. We are one people, one nation with a common destiny. That is why I have formed a Cabinet and a government that unites the people of Kenya,” he said.

The President said he supports former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission because of his Pan-Africanism, patriotism and well-established democratic credentials.