The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has reaffirmed that teacher recruitment and career progression remain the union’s top priorities as he begins his second term in office.
Speaking in Kisumu after securing re‑election, Oyuu said the union had emerged stronger and more influential in the education sector after years of turbulence.
“It is exactly five years since we gave this team the mandate to steer this union from a point of collapse to where it is now a strong union,” he told members.
Oyuu credited the turnaround to collective effort within KNUT’s leadership structures, noting that the National Executive Council and branch officials had played a crucial role in stabilising the union. “The success we are seeing is not by accident. It is teamwork from the national office to the branches,” he said.
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Oyuu outlined progress achieved in the past five years, citing increased teacher employment, curriculum reforms, and improved labour relations. He welcomed the government’s recruitment of 5,000 teachers but stressed that the numbers remain insufficient to meet the growing demand in schools. “We have seen efforts to employ teachers, but more needs to be done. We will continue to push for the employment of more teachers to meet the demand in our schools,” he said.
On promotions, Oyuu urged the Teachers Service Commission to ensure fairness and transparency, saying career growth must be structured to motivate teachers. “We want promotions to be done in a fair and structured manner so that teachers feel valued and motivated,” he added.
Turning to education reforms, Oyuu described the rollout of the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC) as a milestone but acknowledged the heavy workload it has placed on teachers. He said KNUT is advocating for policy adjustments, including a review of the education cycle, to ease pressure on both learners and educators. “We must continue engaging the government to ensure that reforms in the education sector work for both teachers and learners,” he said.
Oyuu also called for unity among members, stressing that KNUT’s strength lies in its membership. “This is the voice of teachers. The direction of the union comes from its members, and we must protect that unity,” he said.
Looking ahead, he pledged to prioritise improved working conditions, expanded recruitment, and fair career growth. “For teachers, we shall not fail you. We will continue to fight for your rights and ensure your welfare is protected,” he assured.
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He urged teachers nationwide to remain actively engaged in union activities, noting that solidarity was key to advancing their interests. “Let us stand together as one union to ensure the dignity and service of teachers in this country is not compromised,” Oyuu said.
By Masaki Enock
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