- More than 100 delegates drawn from 25 KNUT branches participated in the regional elections in Nakuru.
- Elly Korinko was elected regional executive secretary, while John Kipkoech secured the chairman’s position.
- The new leadership pledged to unite branches and champion issues affecting teachers across the Rift Valley region.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) delegates from the Rift Valley region have elected new officials to steer the union’s affairs following elections held at Cool River Hotel in Nakuru County.
John Kipkoech from Chepkoilel KNUT Branch in Uasin Gishu County was elected Rift Valley regional chairman, while Priscilah Pilale Lesiamo from Olkajiado KNUT Branch in Kajiado County was elected regional vice-chairperson.
Elly Korinko from Olkajiado KNUT Branch was elected regional executive secretary, while Kenneth Chelagat from Baringo KNUT Branch was elected assistant executive secretary.
Pheobe Maneno from Trans Nzoia KNUT Branch was elected regional treasurer, while John Garang Kirui from Koelel KNUT Branch in Uasin Gishu County was elected assistant treasurer.
Pauline Tonui from Sotik KNUT Branch was elected South Rift regional women representative, while Grace Keter from Wareng KNUT Branch was elected North Rift regional women representative. Paul Kirui from Kipkelion KNUT Branch was elected trainer.
The election brought together more than 100 delegates representing 25 KNUT branches across 14 counties in the Rift Valley region.
Korinko pledges unity
In his acceptance speech, Korinko thanked delegates for expressing confidence in his leadership by electing him regional executive secretary.
He described the election as transparent and peaceful, saying delegates conducted themselves with maturity and decorum throughout the process.
Korinko also thanked officials from the Ministry of Labour for overseeing the election.
“All our regional KNUT delegates are happy with the election outcome. We are committed as new KNUT leaders to unite union leaders in the entire region in articulating all issues affecting our teachers in the Rift Valley region,” said Korinko.
He said the new regional leadership will bring together KNUT branches across the Rift Valley and work closely with officials at the union’s national office to address issues affecting teachers.
Korinko also pledged to promote unity between the regional council and KNUT’s national leadership.
National officials call for teamwork
The election was attended by KNUT national officials, including Deputy Secretary-General Hesbone Otieno and First National Vice-Chairman Malel Langat.
Speaking to Education News after the election, Otieno thanked Rift Valley delegates for conducting what he described as a free, fair and democratic election whose outcome was accepted by delegates.
He urged the newly elected officials to work together to strengthen the union and effectively represent teachers.
“The voice of KNUT Rift Valley region is powerful in Kenya, and we are glad as national KNUT officials to be here and show solidarity with our delegates in this region,” said Otieno.
READ ALSO: KNUT kicks off Rift Valley regional elections as leaders outline teachers’ welfare agenda
The Rift Valley region has 25 KNUT branches, with each branch producing four delegates to participate in the regional elections.
By Peter Otuoro
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