Kenya's 2026/2027 national budget has delivered a significant financial boost to teachers, with billions of shillings allocated toward salary improvements, promotions, and employment reforms. However, education stakeholders warn that the gains for teachers contrast sharply with the growing financial challenges facing the country's free education programme.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been allocated Sh424.3 billion in the latest budget, with Sh421.9 billion directed toward teacher resource management. The funding will support the implementation of the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is expected to increase teachers' salaries and improve their overall welfare.
The allocation also provides Sh4.9 billion to transition approximately 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable employment. In addition, the government plans to promote at least 30,000 teachers, a move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over delayed career progression and boosting morale within the profession.
Education officials say the recruitment and promotions are critical to addressing staffing shortages that have emerged during the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The additional personnel are expected to ease workloads and improve curriculum delivery in schools across the country.
Despite the investment in teacher welfare, concerns persist over the financial health of Free Primary Education (FPE) and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE). School administrators continue to report delayed and inadequate capitation disbursements, making it difficult to meet daily operational expenses.
Many principals say they are struggling to pay suppliers, support staff, utility bills, and other essential costs. The situation has forced some institutions to accumulate debts while waiting for government funds to be released.
Infrastructure challenges have also become increasingly apparent. Budget constraints have slowed the expansion of classrooms, dormitories, and other facilities at a time when enrolment numbers continue to rise. As a result, overcrowding remains a major concern in many public schools.
Questions about the sustainability of free education have also gained prominence. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has previously raised concerns about whether certain aspects of universal free education, including government payment of examination fees for all learners regardless of economic background, can be maintained in the long term.
The funding gaps have increasingly shifted costs to parents, with schools relying on various contributions to bridge operational shortfalls. Critics argue that these additional expenses undermine the government's promise of free basic education and place further pressure on families already grappling with a high cost of living.
Education experts say the latest budget highlights a growing imbalance in sector financing. While teacher welfare has received substantial support, schools continue to face shortages of the resources needed to sustain quality learning and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Source Attributed: The Standard