President William Ruto has instructed the Treasury to engage in discussions with teachers’ and lecturers’ unions to prevent potential strikes in the education sector.
The President called upon the Treasury, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to come together to resolve the outstanding issues that have prompted strike notices.
KNUT and KUPPET have issued strike threats, demanding the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), while UASU has warned of a work stoppage due to delayed salaries.
“The Treasury, TSC, and the teaching community should collaborate to find ways to meet our government’s commitments, thereby avoiding unnecessary industrial actions and disruptions in our educational institutions,” President Ruto emphasized.
He made these comments during the State Concert for the Kenya Music Festival, held at the Eldoret State Lodge on Friday. The event was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.
On the subject of university education, President Ruto announced that new admission letters for first-year students joining in September have been issued. These letters specify the exact fees that the government, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and parents are required to pay.
The Kenya Music Festival, which included participation from over 145,000 learners across various educational levels, took place in Eldoret City starting from the second week of this month. It was also accompanied by Kenya’s first-ever music conference.
President Ruto stressed the significance of the creative economy as a cornerstone of economic transformation, stating that “the Kenya Music Festival plays a crucial role in this effort.”
He highlighted the festival’s importance in preserving national heritage through cultural dance performances and in preparing learners to compete on the international stage. President Ruto also announced that Kenya is among a select group of countries invited to showcase its cultural heritage in Bonn, Germany, next month.
Addressing the issue of financing the Kenya Music Festival, the President encouraged the event’s leadership to seek sustainable solutions by forming stronger partnerships with the private sector.
He also noted that the government has strengthened copyright laws to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
President Ruto directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports to ensure that artists receive 80% of their royalties.
“Currently, less than 20% of these funds reach the artists. Royalty funds are not meant for running offices, buying cars, or paying salaries—they must go to the artists,” he insisted.
