We'll hire 20,000 more teachers in January - Ruto

President William Ruto revealed that the government will hire another 20,000 teachers next year to ensure Kenyan children access quality education.

The recruitment will be an addition to the 46,000 vacancies the TSC is currently recruiting for JSS, secondary and primary schools.

While urging parents to invest in their children by giving them the best opportunities, Ruto said hiring more teachers will boost education.

He went on to say his administration will continue to engage institutions of higher learning to expand avenues for opportunities to support children.

“We must give the best opportunity we have to our children and that is why in January we will be hiring another 20,000 teachers. It is the reason why we will continue to engage with our universities and TVETs to expand opportunities and create new programmes that will support our children,” Ruto said.

He spoke Thursday during the President’s Award ceremony, held at State House, Nairobi.

The President urged parents to always take time with their children to get to know their needs and better understand them.

He discouraged the ‘dumping’ of children in schools, adding that it is the responsibility of parents to shape their character and future.

“I want to encourage parents to take time with our children and get concerned about their children. Let us not dump our children in school or in other places. It is our responsibility to shape the character, the future of our children.”

Ruto was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) and Julius Ogamba (Education), among other senior state officials.

During the award ceremony, he commended the Board of the President's Award for their efforts to harness the potential of Kenyan youth.

He said the programme goes a long way to foster employability, creativity and innovation, preparing young people to compete on a global stage.

“Regardless of the challenges before us, Kenyan youth have demonstrated their readiness to overcome them with courage and contribute fresh perspectives to the development agenda. It is clear that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the champions of today.”