The contest for the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) executive seats in West Pokot County is steadily gaining momentum as the union prepares for its 2026 branch elections. While several teachers have already expressed interest in various leadership positions, the race remains open, with other candidates expected to surface as the official nomination period approaches. As campaigns develop, attention is increasingly shifting from personalities to the qualities, responsibilities, and inclusivity that define effective union leadership.
At the centre of the contest is the Executive Secretary’s seat, currently held by Martin Sembelo (pictured below), a seasoned leader widely expected to defend his position. Sembelo, who also serves as the Rift Valley Regional Council Secretary, has maintained a strong presence in branch meetings and teachers’ forums across the county. His experience in union administration, familiarity with national and regional structures, and track record in handling teacher welfare issues make him a strong contender. Yet, history shows that KNUT elections often attract late entrants, particularly experienced educators who prefer to assess grassroots support before formally declaring their intentions. This means the final list of candidates is likely to expand as the nomination period draws near.
Interest in other branch positions has already begun to emerge. During recent forums in Kapenguria, a number of teachers publicly expressed their intentions to contest various executive positions. Among these early aspirants are Tokichon Paul for Chairman, Fridah Arusho for Women Representative, Christine Ibrahim for Vice Chair, Rusii Joseph for Vice Secretary, Christine Kasheusheu for Treasurer, and Veronica Lopoyetum Riwo for Vice Treasurer. While these early declarations indicate active engagement and enthusiasm, they represent only part of the anticipated line-up. More candidates are expected to surface closer to the official nomination period, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and offering teachers a wider range of choices.
The role of the Executive Secretary extends far beyond presiding over meetings or managing paperwork. In a county as ethnically and culturally diverse as West Pokot, the Executive Secretary must represent teachers from diverse communities, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and unity. These communities include the Pokot majority, as well as teachers from Tugen, Samburu, Turkana, and other Kalenjin sub-groups, along with minority communities such as Luo, Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kisii, particularly in urban centres like Kapenguria. A competent leader must navigate this diversity by ensuring that all teachers have equal access to welfare programs, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement, regardless of tribe or background.
Teachers from minority communities often face specific challenges, such as deployment to remote or underserved schools, limited access to housing and resources, and, at times, cultural or linguistic barriers in predominantly Pokot areas. A proactive KNUT Executive Secretary addresses these challenges by advocating for equitable deployment policies, monitoring the distribution of hardship allowances, ensuring professional support reaches all teachers, and fostering an environment that values diversity. By engaging directly with schools across the county, the Executive Secretary can prevent marginalisation, build cohesion, and strengthen union solidarity among all teachers.
READ ALSO:
Ambira Boys Senior School to host 8th Annual Open Sports Tournament early next year
Equally critical are the qualities of an effective KNUT representative. Integrity remains the cornerstone of leadership, as union officials handle sensitive matters affecting teachers’ careers and livelihoods. Courage and advocacy are vital, especially when defending teachers against unfair interdictions, unjust transfers, or delayed promotions. Effective communication ensures that teachers’ concerns are heard, clearly articulated to the Teachers Service Commission and government authorities, and responded to in a timely manner. Knowledge of education policies, labour laws, and union procedures enables leaders to negotiate effectively and guide teachers through reforms such as Competency-Based Education, ensuring that such initiatives enhance teaching without overburdening educators.
Availability, commitment, and accountability are equally important. Teachers require leaders who are accessible, responsive, and consistent in addressing issues as they arise. Fairness and inclusivity are essential in a county as diverse as West Pokot, where a leader’s ability to represent all teachers, regardless of tribe or school location, is a measure of credibility and competence. Leaders who combine these qualities are more likely to earn the trust and confidence of their members, uniting teachers behind common goals and strengthening the union’s negotiating power.
According to the KNUT election timetable, branch elections across the country will run between January and March 2026, with West Pokot scheduled to vote on February 7, 2026. Formal nominations are expected shortly before polling, a stage that traditionally attracts additional aspirants who may introduce fresh perspectives or challenge incumbents. This dynamic ensures that the election remains a vibrant democratic exercise, giving teachers the opportunity to evaluate candidates on competence, vision, and commitment rather than just reputation.
Ultimately, the KNUT executive seat contest in West Pokot is about more than securing positions; it is a test of leadership, inclusivity, and advocacy for all teachers in the county. The Executive Secretary and other branch leaders must demonstrate vision, integrity, courage, and fairness, ensuring that every teacher—majority or minority, rural or urban—feels represented and empowered. By prioritising these qualities, the union not only strengthens its capacity to defend teacher welfare but also contributes to a cohesive and professional teaching community capable of navigating reforms, challenges, and opportunities in Kenya’s education sector.
The coming weeks promise to be decisive. As more candidates enter the race, teachers will have a broader spectrum of choices, making the election a true reflection of the democratic voice of West Pokot’s teaching fraternity. In the end, the union’s strength, credibility, and effectiveness will be determined not just by who wins office but also by the qualities, vision, and commitment of the elected leadership.
By Hillary Muhalya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
