The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Makueni branch has made history after all its officials were re-elected unopposed in polls conducted in Wote town, marking a rare show of confidence in the incumbent leadership. Executive Secretary Benson Mutuku Ndambuki, Chairman Samuel Mulwa (HSC), and Treasurer Winnie S. Nuni were among those returned to office without contest.
Speaking after the exercise, Ndambuki thanked members for their trust, saying the outcome reflected satisfaction with service delivery. He pledged to intensify advocacy on teachers’ welfare and ensure grievances are addressed promptly and amicably.
“Makueni teachers have set a strong example; good leadership should be appreciated and reinstated. We will stand with teachers and fight for their rights to the end,” he said, noting the branch was among the first to hold elections.
Outlining priorities for the new term, Ndambuki urged the government to fast-track commitments made to teachers, including affirmative employment for educators aged above 45 years. He called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to implement the pledge, saying delays risk undermining confidence in promised reforms.
He further pressed for the reduction of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cycle from four to two years, as previously announced, arguing that shorter cycles would better respond to evolving economic conditions and teachers’ needs.
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“We are yet to see this materialise, and we ask TSC to act on the commitments made,” he said.
On healthcare, Ndambuki raised concerns over the Social Health Authority (SHA) services in public hospitals, saying teachers are struggling to access essential care. He urged Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Aden Duale and county governments to ensure facilities are stocked with medicines and services are reliable. He proposed the creation of a private wing for teachers in Makueni to expedite care, noting educators contribute significantly to SHA and require timely services to return to class.
Ndambuki also called for the rollout of a wholesale promotion programme for teachers, saying the promise remains outstanding. He vowed to mobilise members across the branch and nationally to safeguard their rights and push for equitable progression. “We will not sit as teachers suffer, we will organise and ensure commitments are honoured,” Ndambuki said.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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