The shortage of 90,000 teachers has been cited as the main challenge facing public schools since the roll out of free basic education.

A mobile phone survey conducted by Sauti Za Wananchi shows 56 respondents cited lack of teachers as a major challenge in the education sector.

The Teachers Service Commission 2015-2019 Strategic Plan states only 28,000 new teachers had been recruited in the last five years, indicating that the number was inadequate if measured against enrolment.

The plan further indicates that there are 8.1 million children currently enrolled in primary schools and 2.2 million in secondary schools, while the teaching force stands at 211,809 and 75,717 for primary and secondary schools respectively.