Governor John Kilonzo of Makueni County has proposed a significant policy shift in the allocation of funds within the government, suggesting that the additional budget initially earmarked for Members of Parliament (MPs) salary increases be redirected towards employing more Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Governor Kilonzo emphasized the pressing need to address the shortage of teachers in the JSS system, a sector he believes is fundamental to the country’s educational and economic future.
“The decision to increase MPs’ salaries at a time when our education system is under such strain is not only imprudent but also inequitable. We have a golden opportunity to redirect these funds to where they are desperately needed — our schools,” Kilonzo stated.
The JSS sector in Kenya has been grappling with a severe teacher shortage, a situation exacerbated by the increasing number of students transitioning from primary to secondary education. The shortage has led to overcrowded classrooms and overburdened teachers, impacting the quality of education delivered.
Governor Kilonzo highlighted the direct impact of the shortage on students’ performance and overall educational outcomes. “Investing in education, particularly in hiring more teachers, ensures that our children receive the attention and quality education they deserve. This is an investment in our future,” he asserted.
Governor Kilonzo’s proposal involves reallocating the funds set aside for the MPs’ salary increase, which amounts to billions of shillings, towards recruiting and training new JSS teachers. This reallocation, according to Kilonzo, would not only help in reducing the teacher-student ratio but also in improving the overall learning environment.
“The funds are already available within the budget. It is merely a matter of prioritizing our expenditures in a manner that reflects our commitment to the education and future of our young people,” Kilonzo explained.
Governor Kilonzo called for bipartisan support from all political leaders, urging them to back the initiative and demonstrate their commitment to the country’s educational advancement. He emphasized that the benefits of such a reallocation would be felt across all constituencies, making it a truly national cause.
“I appeal to my colleagues, both in government and opposition, to join hands in this noble cause. Let us show that we are committed to serving our people by prioritizing education over personal gains,” Kilonzo urged.
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