No More Teachers on the Streets, Ruto Assures After Signing New CBA

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, 17 January 2026 - President William Ruto has assured teachers that their welfare concerns have been fully addressed, saying recent negotiations between the government and teachers’ unions have eliminated the need for future industrial action.

The President announced that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been signed, guaranteeing stability in the education sector for the next three years.

“There will never again be teachers’ demonstrations in Kenya. We have negotiated and agreed on a CBA that resolves their grievances for the coming years,” President Ruto said.

He spoke on Saturday at Sagana State Lodge in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, during a meeting with grassroots leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

The Head of State said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring teachers remain in classrooms rather than engaging in strikes.

“We want our teachers to stay in class teaching our children, not on the streets demanding their rights. That is why we have deliberately worked to resolve all outstanding issues,” he said.

President Ruto further highlighted his administration’s efforts to tackle the shortage of teachers across the country.

“In the last three years, we have employed 100,000 new teachers. By January 2027, the total number will reach 116,000. Today, I can confidently say we have bridged the teacher gap in Kenya,” he said.

He added that the government had invested heavily in infrastructure to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), including the construction of 23,000 new classrooms.

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“Education is the greatest equaliser. Every Kenyan child deserves the opportunity to learn in a conducive environment, and we are making that possible,” the President said.

On party affairs, Dr Ruto, who is also the UDA party leader, celebrated the recently concluded grassroots elections that saw 580,000 party officials elected by about two million members.

He described the process as democratic and inclusive, noting that women formed a significant portion of the elected leaders.

“This is a national, inclusive party. I will continue moving across the country to engage our grassroots officials and strengthen UDA,” he said.

UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire called on Mt Kenya leaders to rally behind the ruling party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

“All leaders elected in the Mt Kenya region in 2027 – from the President to MCAs – will be from the UDA party,” said Ms Mbarire, who is also the Embu County Governor.

The President was accompanied by several elected leaders from the region.