Wamuzi News Ke
In a shocking confirmation that has ignited debate across the education sector, Omboko Milemba, a senior figure among teacher unions, has revealed that every teacher who attended President William Ruto’s recent State House meeting was given KSh 10,000.
The disclosure has stirred questions over whether the payout was a genuine goodwill gesture or political appeasement.According to multiple sources, more than 10,000 representatives from teachers’ unions and school head associations gathered at State House, Nairobi, to discuss issues including the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), salary review cycles, and welfare improvements.
It was during that meeting that Milemba confirms the lump-sum payment was announced, with each participant asked to line up to collect the money.
What Was the Meeting About?
Teachers used the meeting as a platform to press key demands:Reducing the time between CBA reviews from four years to two. Addressing pay, allowances, career progression, and welfare issues such as medical cover and housing. Correcting disparities in school funding, especially in capitation grants for primary and secondary schools. Amid pledges of reforms, the announcement of the KSh 10,000 payment inserted a tangible benefit into what many had expected to be another long policy negotiation.
Why the Payout Is Controversial.
The move has triggered a fierce debate among stakeholders. Some view it as overdue compensation for teachers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising costs of living.
Others see risks:Political optics: Critics argue the payment may be interpreted as a tactic to win loyalty rather than solve systemic problems.Precedents: If teacher gatherings are followed by monetary handouts, expectations will rise—and governments may face pressure to replicate such gestures before negotiations.
Equity issues: Teachers who did not attend or whose union representation was weak may feel excluded or disadvantaged.
Government’s Promises Amid the Payout.
During the meeting, President Ruto made several assurances:He publicly endorsed shortening the CBA review cycle. He committed to improving medical cover and housing allowances for teachers. He directed that wages, promotion policies, and welfare concerns be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
