Ruto directs Mbadi to avert looming strike by teachers, dons

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary during his vetting by the National Parliamentary Committee on Appointment. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

President William Ruto has directed the National Treasury to open talks with teachers and lecturers' unions to avert looming strikes in the Education sector.

The President directed the Treasury, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to meet and resolve pending issues.

Knut and Kuppet have issued strike notices to push for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, while UASU has issued a notice for work boycott over delayed salaries.

"Treasury, TSC and the teaching fraternity should sit together and look at the possibility of ensuring that we implement our commitment as government and thus avoid unnecessary industrial action and interruption in our learning institutions," said the President.

Ruto spoke yesterday during the State concert for the Kenya Music Festival at the Eldoret State Lodge, which the new National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also attended.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Members of Parliament and other leaders were present.

On university education, the President said new admission letters for first years joining from September have been issued, indicating the correct amount of fees that the government, Higher Education Loans Board and parents ought to pay.

The music festival, which brought together more than 145,000 learners from all levels of Education, took place in Eldoret City from the second week of this month. The event was held alongside the first-ever music conference in Kenya.

President Ruto said he recognises the creative economy as a pillar of economic transformation, adding that "the Kenya Music Festival is a vital component in this endeavour".

In the performance of cultural dances, he said, the festival plays a crucial role in the preservation of our national heritage. Additionally, such forums prepare learners to compete at the international stage.

President Ruto announced that Kenya is one of the few countries that will showcase its cultural heritage in Bonn, Germany, next month.

He pointed out that the government has strengthened copyright laws to protect the intellectual property rights of artistes and ensure fair compensation for their work.

He directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to ensure that artistes earn 80 per cent from their royalties.