The government has announced the release of Sh13.5 billion to resolve ongoing issues raised by public school teachers, including delayed salary increases and employment gaps.

This development comes in the wake of protests led by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), who are demanding improved working conditions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that the government plans to disburse the salary increments for July and August by Friday this week.

 "The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been working around the clock to ensure that all public school teachers receive their salary increments by Friday," Mr Ogamba shared.

This follows the enforcement of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the release of Sh13.5 billion by the National Treasury.

Although schools reopened for the third term on Monday this week, secondary schools have witnessed low student turnout due to the ongoing Kuppet-led strikes.

The court has declared the strike illegal.

While the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) ended their strike on Sunday after productive talks with the government, Kuppet members remain on strike, awaiting further resolutions.

The CS expressed optimism that the government would resolve all outstanding teacher issues, including converting 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to permanent and pensionable status.

"We are committed to addressing teachers' concerns fully and effectively. This includes our plan to employ an additional 20,000 teachers by January 2025 to ease the pressure on public schools," he added.

He further noted the government's efforts to bring Kuppet members back to work.

"With the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA and ongoing dialogue, we are confident that Kuppet members will return to class.

The government is committed to resolving these issues in a collaborative, constructive, and systematic manner," Mr Ogamba explained.

The release of funds and the promise of more teaching positions are seen as a significant step in addressing the challenges facing public school teachers, signalling the government's commitment to education sector reform.