President William Ruto has instructed the Treasury to initiate discussions with teachers and lecturers’ unions in a bid to avert impending strikes in the education sector.

The President urged the Treasury, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to convene and address the unresolved issues that have led to the issuance of strike notices.

KNUT and KUPPET have issued strike notices demanding the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), while UASU has threatened a work boycott over delayed salaries.

“The Treasury, TSC, and the teaching fraternity should sit together and explore ways to fulfill our government’s commitments, thereby avoiding unnecessary industrial action and disruptions in our learning institutions,” President Ruto stated.

He made these remarks during the State Concert for the Kenya Music Festival held at the Eldoret State Lodge on Friday. The event was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, MPs, and other dignitaries.

Regarding university education, President Ruto confirmed that new admission letters for first-year students, joining in September, have been issued. These letters outline the correct amount of fees that the government, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and parents are expected to pay.

The Kenya Music Festival, which featured over 145,000 learners from various educational levels, was held in Eldoret City starting from the second week of this month. It was accompanied by Kenya’s first-ever music conference.

President Ruto emphasized the importance of the creative economy as a pillar of economic transformation, noting that “the Kenya Music Festival is a vital component in this endeavour.”

He highlighted the festival’s role in preserving national heritage through cultural dance performances and preparing learners to compete on the international stage. President Ruto also announced that Kenya is among the select few countries invited to showcase its cultural heritage in Bonn, Germany, next month.

On the topic of financing the Kenya Music Festival, the President urged the event’s leadership to seek sustainable solutions by forming stronger partnerships with the private sector.

He also pointed out that the government has reinforced copyright laws to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and ensure fair compensation for their work.

President Ruto directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports to guarantee that artists receive 80% of their royalties.

“Currently, less than 20% of those funds go to the artists. Royalty funds are not meant for running offices, buying cars, or paying salaries—they must reach the artists,” he asserted.

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