The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy National Treasurer Kennedy Nyamwanda has called on newly employed teachers to embrace a savings culture as a way of securing their future, protecting their mental well-being and ensuring improved service delivery in schools.
Speaking during the 18th Annual General Meeting for Tinderet and Nandi East branches at Our Lady of Peace Secondary School in Nandi Hills, Nyamwanda expressed concern that many young teachers rush into taking bank loans soon after employment without carefully considering the long-term financial implications. He noted that heavy loan deductions on salaries leave teachers strained, a situation that often leads to stress and eventually affects learner performance.
Nyamwanda advised teachers to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), which provide more favorable loan terms and encourage long-term financial growth. He pointed out that teachers working in rural areas enjoy lower costs of living and should therefore save more prudently instead of burdening themselves with expensive bank loans.
The KNUT deputy treasurer further urged senior educators to mentor their younger colleagues by guiding them on the benefits of joining SACCOs and the union. He stressed that union membership not only offers welfare support but also strengthens teachers’ collective voice in addressing issues affecting the profession.
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Turning to school leadership, Nyamwanda appealed to head teachers to foster unity and handle their colleagues with dignity, warning that poor leadership practices contribute to rising cases of mental health challenges among teachers, particularly the youth. He emphasized that unity between junior secondary and basic education teachers was key to achieving improved performance in schools.
Nyamwanda also reminded teachers to safeguard their professional integrity by avoiding conduct that could compromise their reputation or affect learners. He cautioned against inappropriate relationships with students and stressed the importance of upholding ethical standards in the profession.
He encouraged young teachers to remain committed to their duties, noting that protecting their own well-being was critical to effective service delivery. According to him, a disciplined saving culture, responsible financial planning and strong professional values would not only improve teachers’ lives but also enhance the quality of education across the country.
By Benedict Aoya
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