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The government will release Sh13 billion to pay teachers’ salary arrears in the next two days, President William Ruto has announced.

This will fulfil the terms of a Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) that the government signed with teachers unions Knut and Kuppet.

“At the end of this month, all your dues will be paid so that you can continue teaching our children,” he said yesterday in Kuja, Nyatike constituency, in Migori County.

Delays in implementing the CBA led to strike notices from the two unions that would have disrupted learning at public schools. He described as “patriotic” Knut’s decision to suspend industrial action and allow the government time to implement the CBA.

Road projects

Meanwhile, the President urged junior secondary school (JSS) teachers on contract to be patient, saying the government was implementing their transition from internship to permanent employment.

“The Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry of Education are putting in place measures to ensure the confirmation of all JSS teachers,” he said.

The President, who started a four-day inspection of development projects in Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu counties yesterday, focused on road projects and government investment in education, water and electricity, among others.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governors Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, James Orengo (Siaya), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a) and Simba Arati (Kisii), Cabinet Secretaries and other leaders were present.

In Kegonga, Kuria East constituency, President Ruto launched the Kegonga Cluster Water Supply Project that will provide 1.85 million litres a day and benefit 15,000 households in Migori County.

The government will also spend Sh1.6 billion to connect 19,000 households in that county to power under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.

The President also announced that the government will build 11 modern fresh-produce markets in the county to that will provide a conducive and dignified environment to do business.

Medical services

On healthcare, the President called on Kenyans to register for Universal Health Coverage and enjoy free medical services.

“Whether employed or not, it is your right to receive medical care paid for by the government,” he said.
Later, in Nyatike, he inspected work on the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project that will target 19,000 acres of land and is expected produce 80,000 tonnes of rice a year.

The government has set aside Sh68 million to compensate residents whose land will be affected by the project, the President announced.

He urged farmers in the region to take advantage of the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme to increase yields.

He instructed the National Cereals and Produce Board and the leadership of Migori County to find a market for rice farmers in Nyatike.

Common destiny

In Ngenge, Suna East, he switched on power at the home of Andrew Owuor Masubo, and later commissioned the tarmacking of the Ngege-Mapera-Rabuor road.

Throughout the visit, the President emphasised the need for Kenyans to shun tribalism and political division, saying the country will achieve a lot more in unity.

“God did not make a mistake to make us live in one nation. We are one people, one nation with a common destiny. That is why I have formed a Cabinet and a government that unites the people of Kenya,” he said.

The President said he supports former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission because of his pan-Africanism, patriotism and established democratic credentials.