By Talarus Chesang
Teachers from Baringo county have expressed concern that the officials of the teachers’ unions in the area frequently abscond duties.
The teachers, both from primary and secondary schools, have said that officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) are rarely in office to serve them.
A teacher, who sought anonymity, said that he has visited KUPPET offices more than four times seeking assistance over his delayed transfer but he always find the office locked.
“My transfer has been eligible since 2019 after I stayed at the same station for five years. I had hoped that through KUPPET, my transfer would have been hastened but I haven’t gotten any help hence I have to remain in the same work station,” he said.
He further said that no union is available to listen to his plight and help him.
Sources say that although KNUT offices in Kabarnet are always open, they are very dormant.
“I have given up on going to the offices because I definitely know there’s no one to serve me” another primary school teacher said.
A worker serving in one of the union offices confirmed the situation adding that his bosses are always out without prior official notice.
He added that some of the officials even switch off their phones hence he can’t communicate with them.
“I keep telling the enraged teachers that the officials are on official duty but they are always dissatisfied with my explanations. It would be good if the media highlights the issue so that the officials resume work,” he said.
Responding to the allegations, KUPPET Baringo branch chairman David Kibet said the branch Executive Secretary Zachariah Nyomboi is in the right position to answer the allegations.
“He is the one in charge of the office.” He said.
Nyomboi said that he has been out mourning and attending burial ceremonies of departed teachers.
He further explained that the office is up and running.
Sources say that KNUT branch Executive Secretary Bishop Dr. Joshua Cheptarus is busy attending to church matters hence disadvantaging the union.
It is alleged that during lunch hour, he is always at the Full Gospel Churches Kenya- Kabarnet town.
His critics had wanted him to give up his position as the union leader but he declined arguing that the decision to resign or not fully lies on him.
He added that he has no problem managing both the union office and the church and pointed out that KNUT owes him debts in millions that accumulated during the union’s massive standoff .
He concluded by saying that the KNUT office was somehow active before the new elected leaders got to office.
