The Government of Kenya has unveiled an ambitious plan to recruit 116,000 teachers by 2027 in a major stride to address teacher shortages across the country. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki made the announcement at Kasikeu Market in Kilome Constituency, reaffirming the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector. Since taking office in 2022, the government has already employed 76,000 teachers, with an additional 24,000 set to be recruited in December 2025.
Prof. Kindiki emphasized that the current administration had significantly outpaced previous regimes, which only hired 4,000 to 5,000 teachers annually. He stated that this expanded recruitment drive is part of President William Ruto’s broader education reforms aimed at improving teacher-to-student ratios, especially in underserved and marginalized regions.
The Deputy President also used the occasion to encourage young people to embrace available job opportunities without discrimination. He advised the youth to take up roles in national programmes like Affordable Housing, Market Construction, and Kazi Majuu, noting that such platforms are opening up massive employment avenues.
“Through the construction of Affordable Housing and new markets, over 250,000 youth have secured jobs, while 400,000 others are working abroad under Kazi Majuu. These initiatives are not only creating employment but are also uplifting livelihoods and providing decent housing for vulnerable groups,” Kindiki noted.
He further highlighted the revival of Kenya’s construction industry, citing increased business for those in hardware supply, carpentry, welding, architecture, and other associated trades. This, he said, is a testament to the government’s commitment to building sustainable value chains in both the formal and informal sectors.
Additionally, Prof. Kindiki urged the youth to apply for Climate Workx (formerly Kazi Mtaani), an environment-focused public works programme now being rolled out nationwide. Initially piloted in Nairobi, the programme employs youth in activities such as river cleaning and drainage unclogging. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2025, and the expansion is expected to benefit all 47 counties.
Looking forward, the Deputy President reiterated the government’s support for agriculture through subsidized fertilizer and pledged continued investment in digital infrastructure. ICT hubs are set to be built in all markets, TVETs, and universities to enable youth access to e-commerce and online job opportunities. These combined efforts underscore President Ruto’s administration’s resolve to empower the youth, transform education, and drive inclusive economic growth.
