The Kenyan government has launched a Teacher Wellness and Engagement Research Report, reaffirming its commitment to improving the welfare of educators while linking teacher well-being to the effectiveness of the education system.

The launch was held in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and was presided over by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba.

The report, developed from a survey conducted by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in collaboration with Knightwise Human Capital, highlights significant financial, emotional, and health challenges facing teachers.

It indicates that 97 per cent of teachers live from pay cheque to pay cheque without savings at the end of the month, while 92 per cent are unable to manage unexpected expenses. Additionally, 88 per cent struggle with debt repayment without affecting their standard of living.

On mental health, the findings show that 60 per cent of teachers experience burnout, 18 per cent are in financial distress, and 12 per cent have reported having suicidal thoughts. The report also notes that four in five teachers experience ongoing financial stress, with many lacking structured retirement or long-term financial security plans.

Education sector reforms

Speaking during the launch, CS Ogamba acknowledged the findings, stating, “The education system will never thrive unless the teacher is thriving financially, physically and mentally.”

He emphasised that teachers remain central to education reforms and human capital development, particularly in the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), curriculum adaptation, and management of learning resources.

Ogamba commended KNUT for its research contributions and noted previous studies conducted on Competency-Based Curriculum implementation, summative assessment, and Junior Secondary School placement. He also praised school administrators for overseeing the construction and delivery of 23,000 Grade 9 classrooms in 2024 to support education expansion.

Measures on teacher recruitment, training and promotion

The Cabinet Secretary outlined government interventions aimed at improving teacher welfare, including the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years to reduce workload pressure and improve curriculum delivery. He also announced that Ksh950 million has been allocated in the current financial year for teacher retooling under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Further, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has promoted 21,383 teachers this year, with an additional Ksh2 billion allocated for promotions in the 2026/2027 financial year. According to the ministry, the introduction of dedicated funding for promotions is intended to make career progression more predictable and less dependent on vacancies.

The CS also called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, and communities to address challenges such as student indiscipline, drug abuse, and school unrest.

He said the government would review the report’s findings to guide future policy decisions aimed at strengthening the education sector and improving learning outcomes nationwide.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed plans to promote over 100,000 teachers in the 2026/27 financial year.