Teachers across Kenya are set to benefit from increased promotion opportunities after the government allocated more resources towards career progression, a move KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu says reflects a commitment made by President William Ruto to address long-standing stagnation among educators.
Highlights
- KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has welcomed the increased funding for teacher promotions.
- The teacher promotion budget was raised to Sh2 billion.
- More than 30,000 teachers are expected to benefit from the latest allocation.
- KNUT says the move addresses concerns over prolonged stagnation in job grades.
- Teacher promotions remain a key issue in improving staff morale and welfare.
Main Story
KNUT Welcomes Increased Support for Teachers
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has welcomed the increased allocation towards teacher promotions, describing it as an important step in addressing career stagnation within the teaching profession.
In a message marking World Teachers’ Day, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu acknowledged President William Ruto for what the union considers the fulfilment of a commitment to increase funding for teacher promotions.
Oyuu said the issue was discussed during a meeting with the President in September 2025 During the WALIMU NA RAIS event, when the union raised concerns about teachers remaining in the same job grades for extended periods.
Promotion Budget Doubled
According to Oyuu, the annual allocation for teacher promotions was increased from Sh1 billion to Sh2 billion.
The increased funding has also featured in parliamentary discussions on the 2026/27 education budget. National Assembly records indicate that Sh2 billion was allocated for teacher promotions, with lawmakers noting that the funding would support thousands of teachers seeking career progression.
The government had previously allocated funding that enabled 36,000 teachers to receive promotions, according to the Teachers Service Commission and government records.
Addressing Career Stagnation
Teacher promotions have remained a major concern for unions, particularly for educators who have spent many years in the same job grades despite meeting professional requirements.
Parliamentary records have previously highlighted concerns over teachers who had remained in the same grades for years, with KNUT pushing for increased funding to help address the backlog.
The additional funding is therefore expected to provide room for more teachers to progress within the profession while potentially improving morale across the teaching service.
A Boost for Teacher Welfare
Oyuu described the development as a sign of attention to teacher welfare and the wider education sector.
For KNUT, better opportunities for career progression are closely linked to the motivation and retention of teachers, particularly as the country continues implementing changes within the education system.
The union’s position comes as the government continues to allocate substantial resources to education, including teacher salaries, recruitment and professional development.
With teacher promotions remaining a key concern for educators, the focus will now shift to how effectively the increased allocation translates into opportunities for teachers across the country.
For teachers, career progression is more than a promotion on paper it is a recognition that experience, dedication and professional growth should have a clear place in Kenya’s education system.
