Omboko Milemba admits each teacher received Ksh10K in State House
By Aloys Michael, September 16, 2025Emuhaya MP and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Chairperson Omboko Milemba has dismissed claims that the recent State House meeting between teachers and President William Ruto was a public relations stunt, insisting that the gathering had tangible outcomes for the teaching fraternity.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, amid criticism from sections of the public and civil society, Milemba clarified that the meeting was not about seeking money but about addressing long-standing challenges facing educators.
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“Teachers did not go to the State House for money; they went to address their issues. Why would you reduce teachers to just Ksh10,000? That was merely a reimbursement for transport logistics. They never went for the money,” he explained.
The MP noted that the State House visit followed tradition, saying such engagements have historically occurred after the signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
“After every CBA signing, it has been a tradition to meet the president. We did the same in 2011 and 2016. This year, it just happened that over 10,000 teachers were invited, making the event more significant,” he added.
CBA and career progression
Among the major outcomes of the meeting, Milemba highlighted the acceleration of the CBA implementation timeline. Originally scheduled to be implemented over four years for Ksh33.8 billion, the President agreed to compress the timeline to just two years.
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“The CBA, which was Ksh 33.8 billion, was to be paid over four years. After interacting with the President, we agreed it would be paid in two years. That is a huge win for teachers,” he said.
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Milemba emphasised that the revised payment schedule will result in more meaningful salary increases in a shorter period, compared to the modest increments previously scheduled over four years.
Another major issue tackled during the State House talks was the long-standing problem of stagnation in career progression for teachers.
“Teachers are taking over 30 years to get promotions due to delays in career progression guidelines. This was addressed directly with the President,” Milemba said.
He added that a framework would be established to regularise teachers currently serving in acting capacities, including principals, deputies, senior teachers, and Heads of Departments, with a directive for the Teachers Service Commission to calculate the required budget and make these roles permanent.
Housing fund and salary adjustments
On the controversial Housing Fund, Milemba acknowledged initial resistance from teachers, but said a consensus was reached to support it, provided it comes with a corresponding salary adjustment.
“Teachers contribute 13 per cent to the housing fund. The President committed to a 10 per cent contribution from the government, and further discussions are ongoing to increase it. The key demand is for salary slips to reflect adjustments that ensure comfort for teachers,” he noted.
Milemba defended the meeting, lauding Ruto for engaging directly with teachers, noting that such dialogues yield more impactful and immediate results than distant policy discussions.
“This meeting was not symbolic. It had substance. The outcomes will improve the welfare of teachers across the country,” he asserted.