Uhuru, Ruto urge teachers to allow dialogue

By Standard Digital Reporter

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have urged teachers to give the Jubilee government time to address their grievances through dialogue before opting for a strike option.

The President reassured that the Government acknowledged the noble role teachers played in teaching and moulding children and would therefore remain committed to improving on their welfare.

Speaking at Kasarani Sports Centre, Nairobi during the inauguration of Rev. Amos Mathenge Kabuthu as the fourth spiritual leader of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA), the President said the Government was willing and ready to negotiate with the teachers.

Uhuru however said the Government cannot meet all the enhanced salary demands for its workers at once and emphasised the need for all Kenyans to play their roles effectively to grow the economy and support increased expenditures.

Speaking at a separate function, Deputy President Wiliam Ruto asked the teachers to give room for talks arguing that President Uhuru Kenyatta had already directed relevant ministries to meet the teacher’s union officials with a view to strike a compromise deal.

Ruto expressed fears that such threats were destructive to the government focus towards the realization of the targeted double digit annual economic growth.

The Deputy President insisted that dialogue was critical in unlocking the looming stalemate over the teachers’ pay hike but was optimistic that a compromise position was within reach.

“Let me assure the teachers that the government is committed and willing to talk so that we can reason together and agree on the way forward” he said.

Ruto gave the assurance on Sunday when he joined worshippers for Sunday Mass service at the Jesus House of Praise church in Meru town.

-Additional repo