Nairobi: Drama As Teachers Heckle Ruto During World Teachers’ Day Celebrations at Kasarani

President William Ruto was met with loud protests from teachers during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

The event brought together thousands of teachers, education officials and union representatives to mark a day dedicated to recognising the work of educators across the country. However, the gathering became tense when teachers began shouting and booing some of the speakers.

The teachers expressed frustration over issues affecting their jobs, particularly salary increases, promotions and working conditions.

Some also appeared unhappy with the way their union leaders were handling talks with the government on matters affecting their welfare.

The disruption continued as union officials addressed the gathering, with sections of the crowd shouting them down.

The reaction showed the level of dissatisfaction among some teachers over issues that have remained unresolved.

When President Ruto took the stage, he attempted to restore calm and address the concerns raised by the teachers.

He urged them to settle down and allow him to speak before explaining his administration’s plans for the education sector.Ruto said the government was honouring the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Teachers Service Commission and teachers’ unions.

He noted that the first stage of the agreed salary increase had already been implemented, while the second phase was included in the July payments.

The government has also set aside KSh8.1 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to support the implementation of the agreement.

Ruto further announced that the government plans to hire 120,000 teachers by December 2026.

He added that 20,000 teachers currently employed on contracts would be transferred to permanent and pensionable terms.The President also said teachers would receive priority in the affordable housing programme, with 20 percent of the available houses expected to be reserved for them.

The tense scenes at Kasarani revealed the concerns facing teachers and the pressure on both the government and unions to find lasting solutions to their demands over pay, employment and working conditions.

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ProfHamo [email protected]