It is a big win for over 40,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers who will now be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms.
This was announced Tuesday during a presser by the Finance Committee of the National Assembly after a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group which President William Ruto at State House chaired.
The PG was convened just hours before the tabling of the Finance Bill, 2024 in Parliament and in the wake of protests dubbed Occupy Parliament to pressure the National Assembly to reject the bill.
The committee chairman Molo MP Kimani Kuria said Ksh18B had been provided for the employment of the teachers who last month went on strike to push for the same.
“The PG was also informed that adequate funds Ksh18 billion – have been provided for the employment of all 46,000 Junior Secondary teachers who are on internship” said Kuria.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is also expected to hire an additional 20,000 interns next month to address the current shortage.
“ The Funds have also been provided to hire 20,000 interns next month. The policy is now to transition teachers from internship to permanent and pensionable terms” he added.
Contentious proposals dropped
It was also a reprieve for Kenyans who have vehemently opposed the bill after the committee announced it had dropped the contentious proposals that would have burdened Kenyans with more heavy taxes.
“Public participation is central to our law-making process. You spoke, and we listened. The Finance Bill 2024 has undergone significant alterations following the invaluable submissions from the public hearing. This administration is not a deaf administration; it listens to its people’s needs. Your voices have shaped this bill, reflecting our collective aspirations and concerns” said Leader of Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wa.
The legislator assured that the Kenya Kwanza government was keen on cushioning Kenyans from the high cost of living.
“We have to strike a balance between raising revenue while at the same time not straining Kenyans. Delicate as it is, Kenya Kwanza remains sensitive to the people. Together, we are building a more inclusive and responsive government”, he said.
MPs will begin debate on the bill on Wednesday.
