Don't interfere in recruitment of teachers, Ruto tells politicians

Earlier this month, the government advertised 35,500 vacancies for teachers in both primary and secondary schools.

Some politicians, however, sought to influence the recruitment process for political mileage.

"We need a teacher for every class. That is the formula. Allow TSC and the ministry to work on the statistics to ensure every class for Grade Seven has a teacher," said Ruto.

He said introducing many variables in the recruitment was uncalled for as it would have an impact on children who need the teachers.

"Children are very emotional. Let us not introduce so many variables. I however thank the MPs for asking for an extension (of the deadline). The rest, please, give TSC its space," he said. TSC heeded to MPs' plea that the application deadline, which had been set at December 16 be extended by 14 days.

The president said the government would announce more vacancies once the current shortage is addressed.

"There has been a huge gap, which our first batch of 30,000 teachers seeks to address. Some schools have up to 10 vacancies currently. After bridging this gap, we shall embark on employing more," he said.

Ruto also said the government would construct 30,500 classrooms in primary schools to ensure a smooth transition for the Grade Six candidates who sat the national assessment this month.

He said the decision to domicile junior secondary in primary schools was aimed at reducing the burden on parents.

"We don't want the children to be away from their parents. We don't want parents to lose money. The cost has to be friendly to parents," he said.

Over 2,500 goats were traded at the auction.

The goat auction came back for the first time after a two-year break in 2020 occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi said water shortage was a pain for many farmers in the county, a majority of whom are pastoralists.

"What we are looking forward to is water sufficiency in the county. We know that there will be more partnerships to bridge the gap in these sectors," said Cheboi.