Ann Cheruiyot has retained her position as Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kericho County branch after a hotly contested election. She defeated former branch chairman David Rono with 900 votes to 600, securing a fresh mandate in a race that drew strong interest across the county.
Rono, from Belgut, campaigned on a platform of change and reform, fielding a well-organised team that sought to reshape branch leadership. Cheruiyot, from the Ainamoi zone, led a mobilised slate praised by teachers for responsiveness, proactive engagement, and sensitivity to members’ needs, qualities that ultimately anchored her victory.
The campaigns reflected a growing sentiment among teachers for assertive unionism and practical engagement, with debates centring on advocacy for welfare, leadership visibility and accessibility, the ability to confront the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), inclusivity and branch-wide representation, and the need for fresh energy in union leadership. Teachers interviewed called for improved performance and service delivery from the branch leadership following the polls.
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National KNUT Chairman Malel Langat led the national office delegation, congratulating winners and urging unity, asking the losing teams to work together for the betterment of teachers. He commended the Kericho branch for conducting organised and peaceful elections. The winning team pledged to prioritise effective service delivery and overall teacher satisfaction in the new term.
In Kipkelion, branch officials were elected unopposed, with David Bore confirmed as Executive Secretary, Kirui as Chairman, and Paul Kirui as Treasurer. Only the Women Representative and BECS seats were contested. The Kipkelion elections were overseen by KNUT Deputy General Secretary Hesbon Otieno and KNUT Executive Secretary Jedida Rutere, who ensured transparency and adherence to union electoral guidelines.
In Bureti, Alfred Rono was re-elected as Executive Secretary in a poll that recorded one of the highest turnouts in recent years, underscoring strong member engagement across the county’s KNUT branches.
By Benedicto Ngetich
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