KNUT Teso branch ripe for elections as most positions goes unopposed

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Teso Branch is set to conduct its branch elections on January 31 2026 at the Amagoro Comprehensive School grounds, with most positions already settled ahead of the polls.

Out of the 15 elective positions, 13 candidates are unopposed, a situation that underscores strong internal unity and confidence in the current leadership, leaving only two positions to be contested.

Assistant Treasurer: Incumbent Shadrack Ikisai will face a challenge from Peter Juma.

Branch Executive Committee (BEC): Francis Ongelech Amukura will square it out with Patrick Esair.

Among those unopposed are: Geoffrey Ekasiba Otori – Executive Secretary, Oscar Obasie – Assistant Executive Secretary, Alex Omoit – Chairman, Michael Otwane – Vice Chairman, Rose Abai – Treasurer, Sherry Ingura Etyang – Women Representative, Praxides Ekisa Ikituk – Deputy Women Representative

Geoffrey Paran Ekisa – BEC (Special Needs), Alex Imwene – BEC (Angurai), Gad Imaidoi – BEC (Post-Primary), Benard Omoloi – BEC (Chakol), Romanus Etyang – BEC (PWD), Nixon Oteba – BEC (Amagoro)

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Speaking ahead of the elections, Executive Secretary Geoffrey Ekasiba attributed the lack of competition in most seats to the trust and confidence members have in the current team. He noted that the branch recently won a national award, citing prudent financial management, effective induction of members, unity among teachers, transparency, accountability, and strong advocacy as key achievements.

Ekasiba, who has led the branch for the last three years after assuming office through a by-election, took over following the exit of his predecessor Olakachuna Omuse and Olunga Ekwenye (chairman), who were appointed County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), and Joseph Eseme, who later joined the county assembly as MCA for Angurai South Ward.

However, he raised concern over several challenges facing the teaching fraternity. Top among them is a ballooning debt of about Ksh15 million owed to retired teachers. He also cited acute understaffing, lack of deputy heads and senior teachers, and shortages of JSS and technical teachers, which has left Grade 9 learners unable to access full subject combinations and affected the rollout of Grade 10.

Additionally, Ekasiba expressed concern over alcohol abuse among some teachers, noting that a number of them have been recommended for rehabilitation centres.

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On infrastructure, he said the 100 ECDE classrooms constructed so far by the county government are insufficient, calling for the construction of at least three ECDE classrooms per school.

Ekasiba, the fourth Executive Secretary of the Teso KNUT Branch, follows in the footsteps of Albert Osia (pioneer), Okwara Ekirapa, and Deogratius Owaya.

Looking ahead, Ekasiba has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on education and social welfare, with a major priority being the upgrade of Jairos Hospital to Level 4 status.

“We have already undertaken the architectural design to elevate the dispensary to Level 4. We require Ksh 78 million to equip the facility with wards, a theatre, and other essential services,” he said. He added that the branch has engaged Dr. Evans Majune to run the facility and plans to mobilise funds through teachers, parents, management, well-wishers, and harambees.

As the election date approaches, attention now shifts to the two contested seats, even as the largely unopposed lineup reflects stability and cohesion within the KNUT Teso Branch.

By  Godfrey Wamalwa