The Kenyan government has set aside a record Sh656.6 billion for the education sector in the 2024/2025 budget, marking a substantial increase from the previous year’s Sh628 billion. This significant allocation underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of education across the country.
A key highlight of the budget is the Sh13.4 billion earmarked for the permanent employment of over 46,000 intern teachers currently working in junior secondary schools. This funding is expected to bring much-needed relief to these educators, who have faced uncertainty and financial instability. The decision follows a prolonged standoff involving strikes, layoffs, and a pending court case between the interns and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The TSC, the body responsible for employing teachers, had previously informed Parliament of its intention to convert the interns’ status to permanent and pensionable by January 2025. This conversion would come after the interns had completed two years of service. However, the National Assembly’s Committee on Education advocated for the expedited hiring of the first cohort of 26,000 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms by July 2024.
While the TSC initially projected a need for Sh16.6 billion to facilitate this transition, the current allocation leaves a shortfall of Sh3.2 billion. Nevertheless, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Njuguna Ndung’u, expressed confidence in the proposed Sh13.4 billion allocation during his budget presentation to Parliament, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the education sector.
In addition to addressing teacher employment, the budget also allocates Sh1 billion for the construction of new classrooms in junior secondary schools and Sh1.3 billion for teacher training in the Competency-Based Curriculum. The basic education wing, covering primary and secondary schools, is set to receive Sh142.3 billion. This includes Sh9.1 billion for Free Primary Education and Sh30.7 billion for junior secondary school capitation. To further support Free Day Secondary Education, a substantial Sh61.9 billion has been designated.
The Kenya National Examinations Council will benefit from a Sh5 billion allocation aimed at waiving exam fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from sitting for their exams. Additionally, Sh3.2 billion has been proposed for infrastructure development in schools, which will likely address critical needs such as classroom construction, maintenance, and facility upgrades.
Higher education and research have also been prioritized, with an allocation of Sh128 billion. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are set to receive Sh30.7 billion, reflecting the government’s focus on enhancing vocational skills and training to meet the demands of a growing economy.
Overall, this historic budget allocation represents a comprehensive effort to bolster Kenya’s education system at all levels. By addressing critical issues such as teacher employment, infrastructure development, and curriculum implementation, the government aims to create a more robust and inclusive educational environment that will benefit students, educators, and the nation as a whole.
