Aron Rono has advocated for the autonomy of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), calling for structural changes in the way they are currently administered.
Rono, widely known among teachers as “Spokesman”, argues that the ongoing model, where JSS remains under the administration of primary school heads, is profoundly flawed and hinders the effective running of these institutions.
According to him, this setup places JSS teachers in an uncomfortable position, limiting their ability to make independent decisions and diminishing their professional authority.
Speaking during the Bomet county JSS school games at Chepkosiom Primary School in Sotik sub-county, Rono stated that it was time to empower JSS institutions to operate independently, not just in administrative matters, but also in co-curricular activities such as sports.
He emphasised that teachers in these schools have distinct responsibilities and challenges that require unique leadership structures, separate from those governing the primary school system.
However, Rono’s vision for transformation doesn’t end with administrative reforms. With a deep understanding of the struggles teachers face beyond the classroom, he has also set his sights on revamping how welfare issues are addressed.
The front-line aspirant who is a teacher at Lugumek Secondary School is proposing a zonal welfare model that he believes will make support systems more efficient and inclusive.
Under this model, schools within a given zone would elect welfare chairpersons tasked with creating and implementing a constitution that governs how welfare matters, such as illness, bereavement, or emergencies, are addressed.
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His vision is to ensure that when a call for support is made, such as through a social media campaign or fundraising initiative, every teacher in the zone is mobilized effectively. The idea is to ensure no teacher is left behind in times of need.
The zonal structures would then be replicated at the sub-county level, with each of the five sub-counties in Bomet having its own welfare coordination team.
These teams would eventually report to a county-level welfare chairperson, who would oversee and harmonize efforts across the entire county.
Rono believes that such a model would provide quick, organized, and equitable responses to welfare issues, strengthening the bond of solidarity among teachers.
Throughout his campaign, Rono has positioned himself as a servant leader, one who not only understands the challenges teachers face but also brings practical solutions based on firsthand experience.
He has promised to be available and accessible to teachers at all times, serving as a dependable link between educators and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or any other relevant authority. He believes that leadership is not about titles, but about service and impact.
Rono also hopes to bring transparency and fairness to the promotion process for teachers in Bomet. He has expressed concern about the disparities in promotion opportunities, especially for those working in remote or marginalized areas. He says that if elected, he will work with other union leaders to push for strict adherence to the TSC marking scheme and ensure that all teachers—regardless of where they serve—have an equal shot at career growth.
With a background in school leadership, having represented teachers in the Board of Management at Lugumek Secondary School, Rono is confident that he has the necessary skills to chair the Branch Governing Council meetings when called upon and to represent the interests of teachers with integrity.
“I believe in structures that work for people. My dream is to see teachers in Bomet supported, empowered, and respected—not just in word, but in action,” said Rono.
By our reporter
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