- The KNUT boss says the union will continue working with the government to advance teachers’ interests.
- He cites teacher recruitment and government engagement with the union among reasons for backing the administration.
- Oyuu made the remarks during an inclusion event supporting teachers living with disabilities in Bomet.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has declared his support for the re-election of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration in next year’s General Election.
He said the union will continue working with the government of the day to advance teachers’ interests.
Oyuu said he had no apologies for his political position, insisting that he was not hiding his support for the President and his administration.
“I have no apologies on the two teams. I am not hiding,” Oyuu said while addressing teachers during an Inclusion Day event at Bomet Green Stadium.
The KNUT boss said the union had chosen to engage the government constructively, arguing that teachers stood to benefit more when their union maintained a working relationship with the administration in power.
“In the teaching fraternity, I want to single out KNUT. We will work with the government of the day. If the government is seeking two terms, we will support it,” he said.
Oyuu cites teacher recruitment
Oyuu cited the recruitment of teachers as one of the achievements he attributed to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He said the government had employed about 100,000 teachers within a short period, describing the move as unprecedented.
“They have employed 100,000 teachers in four days. No government has ever done this,” Oyuu said.
He challenged teachers who questioned his political stance to engage him directly rather than criticising him from outside.
“If you have a question, come to my office,” he said.
Oyuu also highlighted what he described as the government’s response to concerns raised by KNUT over teachers approaching retirement age.
He said that during a previous engagement at State House, KNUT officials requested affirmative action for teachers aged 45 years and above.
According to Oyuu, President Ruto directed that the concerns be addressed, which he presented as evidence of the union’s engagement with the administration.
Support for teachers with disabilities
Oyuu made the remarks during an Inclusion Day event organised to support teachers living with disabilities.
The event, held at Bomet Green Stadium, saw the Daniel Mutai Foundation donate assistive devices to teachers with disabilities, including wheelchairs, crutches and other equipment aimed at improving their mobility and ability to perform their duties.
The initiative brought together hundreds of teachers and union officials, with speakers calling for greater inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for teachers living with disabilities.
Oyuu said KNUT would continue engaging the government on issues affecting teachers while supporting initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and working conditions.
By Jeff Kirui
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