The employment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers is set to begin in January 2025, with the National Treasury announcing a phased recruitment plan aimed at strengthening Kenya’s education system.

After months of delays, caused by financial constraints, the government has now allocated funds for the long-awaited hiring process, signalling a significant step forward in addressing staffing gaps in junior secondary schools.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed the development, stating, “There was no money to immediately employ JSS teachers, but there is money to employ them from January; we have the budget. It is there.”

This assurance highlights a renewed commitment from the government to prioritise the needs of JSS students as they continue to transition into the new curriculum.

In addition to addressing staffing issues, the government has also made headway in improving infrastructure for JSS learners.

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Mbadi revealed that Sh3.4 billion has already been disbursed for the construction of additional classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students.

"We will have classes," the CS affirmed, emphasising that the building process is well underway.

Support from international partners, including the World Bank, is also playing a crucial role in funding construction projects.

Despite the nation's financial challenges, the Treasury has found ways to ensure the continued development of the education sector.

Mbadi noted that classroom construction is being carried out in collaboration with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), allowing the projects to move forward even under tight budgetary conditions.

“Additionally, the funding for building classrooms has been effected jointly with the NGCDF funds, even in the face of the cash constraints that Kenya finds herself in,” he said.

The gradual employment of JSS teachers and the ongoing construction of classrooms reflect the government's broader efforts to support the sector.

With plans now in motion, the education landscape in Kenya is poised for significant improvements, promising a more supportive environment for students and teachers alike as the country prepares for the 2025 academic year.