Government keen to address teacher shortage in North Eastern, CS Machogu

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said the government will employ more teachers to address the teacher shortage in North Eastern region.

He said employment of more teachers in North Eastern will permanently solve the teacher crisis in the region.

Last month the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform in Kenya suggested the removal of subject cluster combination.

The recommendations which were approved by President William Ruto, have seen high admission of local students in Garissa and Mandera Teaching Colleges.

Machogu said the president's expedited action on the recommendations was a clear sign that he was keen on solving  education problem in the region .

Machogu spoke in Mandera during the Launch of Mandera County Education Taskforce Report.

The CS also Inaugurated the  Mandera Teacher's Training College and Mandera Technical Training Institute.

Mandera, just like Garissa and Wajir Counties has experienced insecurity challenges brought by Al shaaab militants.

Education is the sector that has been affected the most by the challenge.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif called for the elevation of Mandera Technical Training Institute to a National polytechnic.

He also asked for the expansion of Mandera Teachers Training College to accommodate 700 trainees.

“This  will help us train more local teachers to meet the high demand for primary school educators in our 316 primary schools and address the current teacher shortage,” Khalif said.

The governor said his administration's investment in education has benefitted 24,973 students in 61 public secondary schools with bursaries.

He said the Elimu Kwa Wote programme, has also benefited 12,000 students in tertiary institutions since its launch this year.

Khalif said he is planning to introduce a scholarship program for exceptionally talented and needy students from  the County.

He said the initiative will open doors for them to pursue courses in medicine, engineering, and other specialised disciplines internationally.

"I strongly encourage all education stakeholders to consider increased investments in this sector, in harmony with my vision and manifesto, aimed at providing quality education to our citizens.An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,"he said.