New KNUT Baringo boss pledges to lobby for office to serve teachers in remote areas

The newly elected Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Baringo Executive Secretary Kenneth Chelagat has pledged to lobby for the creation of an office to serve teachers in remote parts of the county.

Speaking after being declared winner in a hotly contested election at Kabarnet Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Chelagat said that he will lead the team in championing for the welfare and improved working conditions of teachers especially in the far-flung areas of Baringo South and Tiaty constituencies.

He noted that their members from the two areas face myriads of challenges yet their union offices are centered in safer administrative towns like Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine.

“We shall move a motion for the creation of a new branch with my other elected colleagues because the teachers of Baringo need equal services,” the new executive secretary said.

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Chelagat clinched the seat from Bishop Joshua Cheptarus who was contesting for a third term by securing 776 votes to defeat his main challenger who garnered 674 votes in a race whereby the third and fourth contestants Dickson Baringo and Francis Yatich managed 154 and 62 votes respectively.

The unionist was also elated after quite a number of his “Mwalimu Kwanza” team secured top positions from the outgoing leadersfhip noting that they had a clear agenda which resonated well with the teachers from the vast county.

Doris Kong’a who was elected the new branch treasurer after securing 938 votes against 711 for the outgoing Elizabeth Keitany said she is happy for the results which were propelled majorly by teachers’ need for transparency in the union.

Kong’a said she is ready to serve teachers from the region and exuded confidence that the new leadership will deliver this time round.

The exercise that was presided over by Baringo County Labour and Employment Director Rebecca Koskey saw Silas Rutto retain the chairperson position with 699 votes defeating Daniel Kipng’ok and David Chebii who came in close with 509 and 425 votes respectively.

By Our Reporter