The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, has said that The Treasury has been setting aside Sh390 billion every year for the Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) to employ teachers.
Mbadi, who presided over as the Chief Guest during the 35th graduation ceremony of the Migori Teacher’s Training College (TTC), congratulated the 648 students who graduated from the institution.
Mbadi further said that the country was on the right trajectory economically, affirming that more allocation would be channelled into the education sector to provide more employment for teachers.
“It is better to train and wait for government deployment because that time will come sooner than you think,” said Mbadi.
Mbadi also congratulated Migori TTC for emerging in the top three in the just-concluded KNEC examination in the country.
He also stressed that Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a predictable education system that would enhance practicality in the education sector, adding that the government was committed to implementing it fully.
Mbadi affirmed that as the population continues to grow, more teachers will be needed to train the next generation.
“We have not been disciplined enough to ensure that we have more resources in the education system, a backbone for our future generation,” said Mbadi.
He also noted that The Treasury has been allocating Sh96 billion for capitation for primary, junior and senior secondary school students to ensure the future of the students is secured.
Chief Principal of Migori Teacher’s Training College John Chivile said that the new 648 graduates have been tailored by the institution to handle the CBC syllabus.
Chivile noted that CBC is a holistic education system that is meant to equip learners with innovative ways and practical ideas.
He explained that the teaching profession is the future of the nation, encouraging more students to enrol in the Migori-based institution.
Chivile also called upon the national government and National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF) to offer bursaries and scholarships to TTC students who, at times, have to struggle to pay for their college fees.
Union of Kenya Civil Servant Secretary General and Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege, who accompanied Mbadi, urged the TSC to employ teachers based on their year of graduation.
Odege said that it was very frustrating for graduates to stay without employment, yet they have used resources and time with the hope of a bright future.
The MP also said that a country with no teachers is no country, urging the government to prioritise employment of teachers to reduce the student-teacher ratio.
Meanwhile, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko urged the national government to make the education profession an appealing career by offering better perks.
Ochilo said that teachers needed decent salaries to motivate them in classrooms to offer better education to the future generation.
He also congratulated the Migori TTC for training excellent teachers who would soon transfer the same knowledge and skills to the next generation.
The 648 graduates, class of 2024, were conferred with various certificates that included diplomas in early childhood education and diplomas in primary education. The institution also boasted a pass rate of 96 per cent.
By Makokha Khaoya
