President Ruto Hails Teachers as Nation’s Pillars, Pledges Continued Support for Education Sector

 President William Samoei Ruto has praised Kenyan teachers as the country's "greatest resource and patriots," recognizing their dedication to shaping the future of the nation through education.

Speaking during a gathering at State House, where he hosted over 10,000 teachers, the President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring it continues to produce a competent, globally competitive workforce.

“Teachers are Kenya’s greatest patriots. They work beyond the call of duty, spending extra hours to shape the destiny of our children. We are indebted to these heroes,” President Ruto said.

The President outlined a series of bold reforms and investments made under his leadership, describing education as the cornerstone of Kenya's transformation agenda. Over the past three years, the education budget has grown from Ksh 540 billion to Ksh 702 billion, marking the largest increase in the country's history.

“This is a deliberate investment in the future. A strong education system is the engine that will power our economic and social development,” he added.

Among the key milestones highlighted was the hiring of 76,000 new teachers, with the number set to rise to 100,000 by January 2026. This, he said, would significantly improve the teacher-student ratio, enhancing the quality of education across the country.

On the controversial Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the President noted that the government has provided clarity and support to ensure its smooth implementation, allaying earlier concerns raised by educators and parents.

Further, the Head of State revealed that his administration has built 23,000 classrooms, established the Open University of Kenya, and rolled out a student-centred higher education funding model. The new model aims to expand access to tertiary education while providing sustainable financial support for universities and TVET institutions.

“Our reforms are focused on equity, quality, and relevance. Every child, regardless of their background, must have access to quality education and a fair chance at success,” President Ruto stated.

The meeting with teachers at State House is part of the government's broader engagement with key stakeholders in education, as it works to align national development goals with human capital growth.