The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has announced the withdrawal of its members from schools in the volatile Kerio Valley due to rising insecurity.
Speaking during the 21st Annual General Meeting of the KNUT Teso Teachers Burial and Benevolent Scheme (BBS) held at KNUT Amagoro Hall on Saturday, KNUT National Vice Chairman Aggrey Namisi stated that no teacher will be allowed back into classrooms starting Monday unless the government guarantees their safety.
“We cannot allow teachers to continue teaching without assurance of their safety following recent banditry attacks, including the killing of a Catholic priest,” Namisi said.
KNUT Teso Branch Executive Secretary Geoffrey Ekasiba echoed the sentiments, emphasizing that the government must enforce strict security measures in Kerio Valley, prioritizing the protection of educators.
Namisi also criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over the recent promotion of 25,000 teachers, alleging corruption in the process. He applauded Parliament’s directive to repeat the exercise, claiming that over 8,000 of those promoted had served for less than six months, while many long-serving teachers were overlooked.
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Addressing Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, Namisi urged them to adhere to their appointment letters, warning that engaging in unauthorized fundraising could lead to legal consequences. He further called on county education boards to allocate sufficient funds for student sports activities, citing that schools currently receive only Ksh 5,000 instead of the expected Ksh 11,000.
He further stressed the need for merit-based promotions, lamenting that teachers with older TSC numbers were sidelined in favor of newer recruits. He called for mutual respect between JSS and senior teachers, some of whom hold master’s degrees and have served for decades.
During the meeting, Vice Secretary General Okumu Bonface read out resolutions passed by the members, including a demand for a forensic audit of the scheme’s financial records. The findings, they said, should be forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for appropriate action against former officials suspected of financial improprieties.
The members further recommended reducing the administrative team to four, using surplus funds to settle retirees’ dues on a prorated basis, and reviewing bus charges downward. They also requested insurance coverage for BBS members.
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BBS Chairman Cain Emojong encouraged members to remain committed and help recruit new members to strengthen the scheme. He reassured members that the scheme remains viable and that more benefits are forthcoming.
From 2022 to 2025, Emojong reported, 142 members left the service due to mandatory retirement, while the current financial year has seen 58 deaths including 7 members, 3 spouses, 4 children, and 45 parents.
Before the arrival of key guests, members held a candid discussion with KNUT Executive Secretary Geoffrey Ekasiba, demanding accountability and sweeping reforms within the BBS.
Austin Odeke described the scheme as “an active crime scene,” calling for a DCI investigation into suspected embezzlement. “If this trend continues, BBS may not exist in 10 years,” he warned.
Godfrey Omukule, alleged that former officials now live lavish lifestyles from misappropriated funds. “Those who stole from the dead must face justice,” he declared.
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Daniel Ogoti urged the leadership to prioritize insurance for members and decried the insufficient death benefits—Ksh 15,000 for parents and Ksh 40,000 for members—as inadequate.
Responding to the concerns, Ekasiba acknowledged the members’ frustrations, affirming his commitment to reviving the scheme. “I won’t let BBS collapse under my leadership,” he vowed.
He noted his administration had already slashed allowances from Ksh 2,500 to Ksh 1,000 and was considering downsizing the management team. To enhance income, Ekasiba revealed plans to construct a Level 4 hospital in Kamuriai, in partnership with an investor, which will serve the scheme’s 651 members.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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