Dagoretti High School, located in Nairobi County, has been closed indefinitely following a violent student unrest. The chaos that erupted within the school has led to the hospitalization of several students who were injured during the incident. The disturbance, which occurred last night, saw learners vandalizing and damaging school property. In response to the escalating violence, the school administration made the decision to send all students home to ensure safety and restore order. Underlying Tensions and Investigations Insiders have revealed that the unrest stemmed from ongoing tensions between two religious groups within the school. These internal conflicts had reportedly created…
Author: Nyanchoka
TSC to Recruit 20,000 Teachers in October. In October, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans to recruit 20,000 teachers on internship terms. This cohort will consist of 18,000 junior secondary school interns and 2,000 primary school interns. Infrastructure and CBC Support Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, disclosed that 56,000 teachers have already been recruited to support the Competency Based Assessment (CBC) system. An additional 20,000 teachers are expected to further enhance this initiative. Dr. Kipsang also announced that the government is constructing 18,000 new classrooms to accommodate Grade 9 students starting January next year. Of these, 11,000…
NHIF Services End September 30 as SHIF Takes Over: Registration and New Benefits. Kenyans will no longer be able to access healthcare services through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) after September 30, 2024, as the government shifts entirely to the new health insurance program, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This transition is set to be implemented on October 1, 2024, with the Social Health Authority (SHA) taking over management responsibilities. Financial Management and Employer Registration NHIF CEO Elijah Wachira announced that payments received up to October 9 will be credited to NHIF, while any payments made after this…
Government Responds After Germany Dismisses 250,000 Kenyan Jobs Deal. The government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has addressed the ongoing debate regarding the possibility of 250,000 Kenyans securing employment in Germany. On Sunday, September 15, the government confirmed that while a labour agreement with Germany exists, there is no fixed limit on the number of job seekers who may secure employment in the country. Unlike traditional bilateral labour agreements that are quota-based, this new agreement emphasizes matching Kenyan talent with German labour market demands. The Foreign Ministry, represented by Principal Secretary Roselyn Njogu, highlighted that the number…
Germany-Kenya Partnership: Impact on Migration, Employment, and Education. President William Ruto’s two-day official visit to Germany concluded with the signing of key agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany. A Migration and Mobility Partnership, signed on September 13, 2024, established a framework for collaboration and information exchange on matters including labor mobility, apprenticeship, student training, employment opportunities, worker welfare, and procedures for readmission and return. The agreement seeks to address labor market demands in both Kenya and Germany, promoting skill development while also establishing a framework for migration management. Opportunities for Students and Skilled Workers Under this…
Katoloni High School Fire: Parents Take Students Home. On Sunday, parents picked up students from Katoloni High School in Machakos County after a fire broke out in the boys’ dormitory on Saturday night. The blaze completely destroyed the dormitory, which housed 193 students. All beds and personal belongings were lost in the fire. The fire occurred at 9 p.m. when students were attending their evening prep classes, which meant no injuries were reported. However, due to the trauma caused by the incident, some students required medical attention and were taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for treatment and counseling. School’s…
Ruto Gives Ksh2 Million to Endarasha Academy, Plans Meeting with Owner. In response to a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy that claimed the lives of 21 learners, President William Ruto committed to meeting with the school’s proprietor to help resume educational activities. During a church service at Nyeri AIPCA Central Western Archdiocese, the President said he would meet with Mr. Kinyua, the school’s owner, once investigations into the fire are completed. He emphasized the importance of helping the school recover and continue providing education to the children. The President expressed his intention to support the school after the investigation…
Germany Refutes Labour Deal with Kenya for 250,000 Workers. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Interior and Community has denied claims that the country has signed an agreement with Kenya to recruit 250,000 workers. The clarification came after a BBC report suggested that the deal would offer employment opportunities to thousands of Kenyans seeking work in Germany. Clarification from the German Ministry Germany’s Interior Ministry responded by stating that the deal with Kenya does not specify any particular number of workers. Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that applicants will undergo a thorough selection process, adhering to the strict requirements outlined in the German…
Education Challenges Under President Ruto’s Administration. Two years into President William Ruto’s tenure, the education sector has faced several challenges, epitomized by the ongoing debate over the new university funding model. The adoption of this model has led to student protests and public criticism. Opposition to University Funding Model The opposition has now brought university staff into the fray, as they have openly criticized the new student financing system. Despite President Ruto’s assertion that the model would solve the university funding crisis, critics argue it was imposed with little to no consultation, disregarding the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party…
Education CS Ogamba Calls for Negotiations Ahead of Lecturer Strike. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has called on university lecturers to avoid industrial action and instead allow ongoing negotiations to proceed, aiming for a peaceful resolution that benefits all stakeholders. On September 18, 2024, academic activities at 35 public universities face the risk of being disrupted due to the collapse of discussions between the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) regarding the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Key grievances raised by university staff include: Impact on Academic Programs Ogamba warned that the potential…