President William Ruto has defended his move to invite teachers to State House, saying the forum was meant to focus on education and the future of Kenya, not politics.
During the Waalimu na Rais forum on Saturday, Ruto said he wanted to create an environment where teachers could freely present issues affecting the profession and contribute ideas on improving the sector.
He stressed that the session was not about political interests but about national growth through education.
“I called you here not because of politics but so that we can talk on matters of education and Kenya at large,” Ruto told the teachers.
“I want you, through your officials, to address the matters concerning you that I can deal with as part of the Kenyan professional community,” he added.
The President described the occasion as historic, saying it was the first time teachers were being hosted in such a setting at State House.
He thanked them for their presence, noting that their work goes beyond classrooms and touches the lives of all Kenyans.
“Teachers have a lot of responsibility to educate our children, and have not had a chance to come to State House. Because of the respect you gave me by taking time off your work and finding a chance to visit me, I don’t take it for granted. I say thank you. If you find another chance, you can come visit me,” Ruto said.
The President went on to hail teachers for their dedication, saying they quietly shape the country’s destiny without much recognition.
“Teachers are the greatest patriots and heroes of the Republic of Kenya. They care about the children of others and spend sleepless nights thinking about them,” he said.
Ruto also took a swipe at critics who have questioned his decision to invite groups such as teachers, religious leaders, and politicians to State House.
He reminded them that the authority to decide who visits lies with him.
“I know there are questions like what teachers have gone to do in the State House and why this meeting is happening. Right now, I am the head of this ‘household’ by the will of God and through your votes. And the one who decides who comes here and who doesn’t, isn’t it me? So if I say teachers should come here, why the questions?” The President asked.
In his closing remarks, Ruto commended teachers for their role in nation-building and assured them that such engagements would continue.
He said dialogue between leaders and professionals would ensure challenges in the education sector are directly addressed.
The Waalimu na Rais forum was the first formal platform bringing together the President and teachers at State House.
