Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Collins Oyuu has so far secured the support of a total of eight regions as he consolidates his support ahead of the national elections in April.
Oyuu has gained support from eight regions, namely Nairobi, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Coast, Western, North—Eastern, and Central.
The Secretary General has been traversing the country to garner support ahead of the anticipated polls in Kisumu.
Oyuu has at the same time declared that his rival is not fit to contest due to various reasons.
He says Sossion was first of all deregistered by the teachers’ service, hence making him ineligible to vie for the position.
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Oyuu said that it is against the KNUT constitution for a former member to ‘recycle’ themselves and reclaim seats.
Oyuu was elected in June 2021 to lead the union for five years, effectively replacing Sossion, who had steered the union for almost a decade.
He reiterated that Sossion should refrain from meddling with the affairs of the Union since he is no longer a member of KNUT.
“I’m not even aware if he can vie or not. The constitution of KNUT does not allow that, and we will follow the constitution to the letter. You cannot recycle yourself and say that you can vie if you are not allowed by the constitution,” Oyuu said.
“If you are not a member, please talk from outside the fence. Don’t talk from inside the compound. It is for the constitution to qualify you whether you are a worthy opponent or not. And you cannot join the union through a shortcut,” he added.
Oyuu further dismissed claims that he is not eligible to seek another term as the KNUT SG due to his age. ” Some are saying that I’m 60 and I can’t vie, please go read the constitution, it is a 29-page document, talk to it.”
Sossion revealed his desire to reclaim his position as the KNUT SG on Tuesday, March 24, during an interview with Radio Generation.
Sossion, who led the union between 2013 and 2021, said that his comeback to the Union’s leadership will be vital in reinvigorating its vibrancy.
The former nominated MP challenged Oyuu to retire, noting that he is ineligible to hold office due to age, and that he should retire.
Sossion maintained that the senior position at the Union should be reserved for individuals who are still active in the teaching profession.
“I think I’m just like Moses, who was looking after Jethro’s goats in the wilderness. I’ve heard the cries of my teachers in Egypt, and I’ll go back. Moses was never stopped from going to Egypt. He went to Egypt and took the children of Israel out of Egypt,” Sossion said.
“Once you are past retirement age, leave the union. We have a bad culture in the country where retirees are manning the union. And that is wrong. They cannot speak for their grandchildren,” he added.
Oyuu says Sossion also quit from his position voluntarily and cannot turn around and reclaim it.
Since taking over the reins of KNUT, Oyuu says that he has Stabilized the Union, where membership has increased from a paltry 11,000 to 187,000.
Oyuu says there has been a gradual increment of the Branch Commission tending towards the required percentage.
He says he has enhanced institutional management and administration all Branches are at the moment fully functional
The Secretary General says he has taken time in addressing the day-to-day emergency issues in education, such as transitioning learners and teachers in CBE.
‘ I have been championing employment of teachers on contract and confirmation on permanent and pensionable in addition to resolving teachers’ issues with respect to discipline promotions, demotions, transfers e.t.c’ he says.
He says he has been ensuring adherence to the KNUT Constitution with respect to organisational structures and functions.
Oyuu says he has paid keen attention to CBA (for modification of the circle with the aim of reduction from 4 years to 2 years or 3 years and campaigning for salary increments. Review of CPG to open up the lower cadres (by simulating the schemes of service for Grade B5-C3 and thereafter interviews from Grade C4-D
The trade unionist says he has gone out of his way in fighting for a review of CPG to open up the lower cadres by simulating the schemes of service for Grade B5-C3 and thereafter interviews from Grade C4-D27.
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He says he has been fighting for the increased membership of the union by revisiting the “agency fee” status of potential members.
Oyuu says he has been involved in the improvement of comprehensive medical cover under SHA to make it more efficient, in addition to engaging with several government agencies and departments on matters of education and teachers.
He says he has improved union activism and leadership through consistent and increased training of KNUT School Representatives in addition to the creation of union structures in disseminating union matters such as KSR, BEC, County Councils, Regional Council, Advisory Councils, NEC and National Steering bodies.
Oyuu further says that he has worked towards improved international relationships with other teacher unions and other affiliated bodies.
By Fredrick Odiero
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