President William Ruto’s administration has outlined ambitious plans for the education and infrastructure sectors in the next three years, focusing on expanding the workforce and boosting national infrastructure development.
In the education sector, the government plans to hire 120,000 teachers by 2028. According to budget proposals, 6,000 teachers will be recruited annually on permanent and pensionable terms, with another 6,000 joining as interns. These hires are aimed at addressing the staffing challenges in primary and secondary schools under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning Program and the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project. The first phase will see 18,000 permanent hires each year, with a similar number of interns to support the growing demand for education. The move is expected to enhance the quality of learning and improve teacher-student ratios across the country.
In addition to the education sector, President Ruto’s administration is committed to significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering the country’s economy and his legacy during his first term. A key focus is the construction of 1,098 km of new roads, which is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Other infrastructure projects include the Nairobi Railway City, a 12.5 km Riruta-Ngong rail line, and the Mombasa railway link to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus. The government is also planning to acquire new locomotives and a ferry for Lake Victoria, while upgrading motor vehicle inspection centres and constructing affordable housing units across the country.
While these projects face challenges such as budget shortfalls, particularly following the collapse of the Finance Bill 2024, President Ruto’s team is determined to implement these transformative initiatives. The government’s focus on both education and infrastructure highlights its strategy to address the country’s immediate needs while preparing for long-term growth. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on how effectively the administration manages budget allocations and public expectations.
