President William Ruto has outlined 10 key commitments aimed at resolving long-standing issues affecting teachers across Kenya.

The pledges were made during a high-level meeting at the State House on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with over 10,000 educators, union representatives, and officials from the Ministry of Education.

The move comes after months of unrest in the sector, including delayed capitation funds, salary disputes, and calls for better working conditions.

1. CBA review

Ruto agreed on the need to reduce the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) period from four years.

He asked union heads to deliberate and decide whether to cut it down to three years or two years.

The review aims to make agreements more responsive to teachers’ needs and ensure timely adjustments in pay and allowances.

2. Matching PWPER rates

The President committed to matching the PWPER rates: Ksh2,300 per learner in primary schools and Ksh22,244 per learner in secondary schools.

The first half of the outstanding balance, the variance between what has already been disbursed and what is due, will be settled in the next financial year, and the second half in the subsequent year.

3. CBC resource centres

To support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Ruto directed that resource centres be established in every sub-county, not just at the county level.

Their rollout will be done in partnership with MPs through CDF funding, which Raila had previously proposed scrapping in Homa Bay, arguing that MPs should focus on representation and oversight rather than building schools or distributing bursaries.

This reform is expected to improve access to teaching materials and resources, especially in rural areas.

4. Medical cover

The President expressed dissatisfaction with the current teachers’ medical scheme, stating it does not adequately serve educators. He directed that the scheme be reviewed to ensure comprehensive coverage and timely access to healthcare.

5. Special needs teacher promotions

Special needs teachers will now be moved one job grade higher, with financial support provided. This move recognises the additional responsibilities and expertise required in special needs education.

6. Special needs teacher guides

The Ksh20,000 allowance for special needs guides will also be reviewed, ensuring it aligns better with the workload and contributions of these educators.

7. Affordable Housing MOU

Ruto witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Affordable Housing Board and teachers’ unions.

The agreement guarantees that 20 per cent of all Affordable Housing units will be allocated to teachers.

Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris welcomed this, calling it a “well-deserved recognition of teachers’ vital role in nation-building and a bold step toward inclusive homeownership.”

8. Retirement benefits

Teachers retiring from service will now access their benefits within 10 days.

Ruto added that the long-term goal is to make payments available within a single day or even on the same day in the future. This aims to eliminate delays and provide financial security to retiring educators.

9. Career progression and promotions

The President directed that the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) be reviewed immediately.

The budget allocation for promotions has been doubled from Ksh1 billion to Ksh2 billion, allowing 50,000 teachers to be promoted annually, up from 25,000.

This reform is intended to reward experience and motivate educators across the country.

10. Teacher employment

Teacher recruitment will follow a “first out, first in” policy, prioritising those who have waited the longest.

The President also requested data on teachers over 45 years old who have never been employed, including financial implications, to ensure they are hired before retirement.

These commitments signal a strong government focus on addressing the long-standing challenges in the education sector. They provide teachers with timely benefits, better career progression, and improved living conditions.