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 Summary

President William Ruto has directed the Treasury and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to engage with teachers' unions to prevent a potential strike over the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and other issues. He emphasized the need to maintain an uninterrupted school calendar and urged stakeholders to work together for the benefit of students. 

Ruto also highlighted the government's efforts to address concerns related to the new university funding model and ensure access to education for all children.

President William Ruto has urged the Treasury and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to initiate discussions with teachers' unions in a bid to prevent a looming strike. The strike threat stems from the unions' demands for the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), among other grievances.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted school calendar, Ruto directed the Treasury to collaborate with the TSC and the teachers' unions, KNUT and KUPPET, to find a resolution and avoid unnecessary industrial action. "That engagement is going to happen and I ask all the stakeholders to work together for the interests of our children, respecting what is due to the teachers," he stated.

The unions have issued a notice to the TSC, listing six key concerns that must be addressed. Should their demands, particularly the full implementation of the CBA, not be met, they have warned of a strike set to begin on August 26.

Speaking at the Kenya Music Festival gala held at the Eldoret State Lodge, Ruto stressed the need for all stakeholders to come together and explore the feasibility of fulfilling the government's commitments to avoid disruptions in educational institutions.

In addition to addressing the teachers' demands, Ruto also highlighted the progress of the new university funding model. He reassured the public that students who had received unclear admission letters had been provided with revised versions, detailing the financial responsibilities of parents based on their categories. "Between 60 and 90 per cent of the cost would be taken care of by the government, while parents would pay according to their categories," Ruto explained, noting that the issuance of the new letters would be completed within two days.

Ruto underscored the government's commitment to education, calling it a great equalizer in society, and affirmed that efforts are being made to ensure all children have access to education at all levels. He was joined at the event by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos.