Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has announced that the government is launching a nationwide teacher promotion exercise, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of teachers who have remained in the same job groups for years without progress.
The initiative, which had been on hold for some time, is now being revived and promises to reward teachers who have dedicated years of service without advancement.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, during a meeting with teachers, PS Bitok revealed that the government has allocated Ksh1 billion specifically for the promotion of teachers.
He said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would prioritise those who have been stuck in the same positions for a long time, ensuring that deserving educators are finally recognised and elevated to higher ranks.
“We have listened to the concerns of teachers. We understand there has been a problem with promotions, and I want to confirm that the government has set aside Ksh1 billion this year to support this cause,” Bitok stated. “Promotions are on the way and they will happen very soon.
The TSC is ready to implement a programme that will give priority to teachers who have stagnated in their job groups for far too long,” he added.
More Teachers to Be Hired
PS Bitok also announced that the government is preparing to recruit additional teachers to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. He noted that there is a shortage caused by the shift to CBE, and hiring more educators will help bridge that gap and ensure smooth implementation of the new curriculum model.
Teachers’ Medical Insurance to Shift to UHC
Addressing concerns raised by teachers regarding medical insurance, PS Bitok said the government plans to enrol all teachers into the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
This move is expected to address ongoing confusion and dissatisfaction with the current medical cover. He assured teachers that the transition will provide clarity and better health support for them and their families.
1,600 Science Labs for Junior Secondary Schools
In a move to boost infrastructure in junior secondary schools, the government will construct 1,600 new science laboratories across the country.
Bitok explained that a national mapping exercise has already been carried out to identify the schools and regions that will benefit from the initiative. This development is aimed at enhancing the learning environment and supporting practical science education under the CBE system.
KEMIS to Replace NEMIS
Bitok also defended the government’s decision to move from the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to a new system called the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).
He explained that KEMIS will help eliminate inefficiencies and stop the fraudulent allocation of resources to ghost schools.
The new system, which will be launched within the next three months, will connect all levels of education, including primary, secondary, TVET institutions, universities, and education-related parastatals.
According to Bitok, KEMIS will act as a centralised platform for managing data, tracking progress, and improving transparency in the education sector.
“The new system will link up every level of education in Kenya—right from primary schools to universities and even parastatals. It will be a one-stop platform that addresses the problems we’re currently facing,” he said.
Clarifies on Alleged Tensions in Ministry of Education
While not mentioning The Standard newspaper by name, PS Bitok appeared to respond to a report published earlier on Tuesday that suggested divisions within the Ministry of Education.
The article claimed that Principal Secretaries were undermining the authority of Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
Bitok dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry is working together as a united team. He clarified that the shift from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to the broader Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework was not a unilateral decision but a collective effort.
He said it was designed to bring teachers, parents, and other key stakeholders into the conversation to strengthen the education system.
Sector Is Not in Crisis – Govt Spends Ksh702 Billion
Bitok also addressed concerns about delayed capitation funds, which have sparked complaints in recent weeks.
He firmly rejected claims that the education sector is in crisis. Instead, he pointed out that the government has committed a record Ksh702 billion to support education, showing its strong dedication to improving schools, learning facilities, and access to quality education across the country.
Overall, Bitok’s announcements signal a renewed commitment by the government to address teachers’ concerns, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of education in Kenya.
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