TSC to Clear Teacher Salary Gaps After Ruto Approves New Budget
Teachers across the country now have fresh hope after President William Ruto approved the latest Supplementary Appropriation Bill, releasing billions of shillings to address salary shortages, medical cover, and other long-pending payments in the education sector.
The newly approved supplementary budget, signed at State House on Wednesday, April 8, sets aside Ksh24.2 billion for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This money is specifically meant to cover teacher salary shortfalls and support health insurance needs that have been a major concern for educators for a long time.
For many teachers who have repeatedly complained about delayed benefits, salary gaps, and rising financial pressure, this funding comes as a major relief.
The allocation is expected to reduce the strain many teachers have been facing, especially those who have gone months dealing with unpaid dues and insufficient medical support.
Over the years, teacher unions have consistently pushed the government to improve pay structures and ensure that healthcare benefits are reliable and accessible.
In a further boost to teachers’ welfare, the government has also allocated Ksh3 billion to clear pending medical bills. This move is seen as a direct response to concerns raised by teachers over the high cost of treatment and delays in settling hospital claims.
The additional funding is likely to improve confidence in the profession and reassure teachers that their welfare is receiving serious government attention.
The education sector as a whole also benefited significantly from the new budget. University and college students are set to gain after the government directed Ksh4.1 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), pushing the institution’s total allocation to Ksh45.6 billion.
This is expected to support thousands of learners who rely on HELB loans to continue with their studies without disruption.
To reduce recurring strikes and unrest in universities, the government further approved Ksh3.88 billion to clear university salary arrears linked to the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
These arrears have been one of the key reasons behind repeated industrial actions in public universities, and the new allocation may help restore calm in the higher education sector.
According to the budget document, part of the funding will also support important education programmes such as the Wings to Fly initiative, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
This is expected to widen access to education opportunities for needy and bright students while strengthening technical skills development in the country.
More support has also gone to universities, with Ksh6 billion allocated to higher learning institutions including Moi University and Kabarak University. In addition, Ksh1.5 billion has been directed to the University Funding Board to improve the financial stability of institutions that have been struggling with budget deficits and operational challenges.
The health sector was not left behind in the latest budget changes. The government approved Ksh4.7 billion for the State Department for Medical Services, with Ksh4 billion specifically set aside to clear pending bills under the now defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). This is expected to help hospitals recover unpaid claims and improve service delivery.
Additionally, Ksh654 million will go toward upgrading level four hospitals across the country, while Ksh5.4 billion has been allocated to support the internship doctors’ programme.
These allocations are aimed at improving healthcare services, strengthening county hospitals, and ensuring young doctors are properly facilitated during their training.
The government also approved Ksh2.5 billion for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Ksh2.6 billion for the national vaccine programme, further strengthening the health system.
On governance and security, President Ruto also approved Ksh3.9 billion for security operations, with Ksh2 billion reserved for compensation of victims affected during demonstrations.
This allocation is likely aimed at supporting law enforcement operations while also addressing public concerns around compensation and justice for those affected by unrest.
Overall, the supplementary budget sends a strong message that the government is trying to address pressing issues in education, health, and public welfare.
For teachers in particular, the approval marks a major financial lifeline that could finally resolve salary gaps, medical claims, and long-standing arrears that have weighed down the profession for years.
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