The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised more than Sh4 million during a fundraiser in Homa Bay aimed at strengthening the branch’s operations and improving its capacity to serve teachers.
The event brought together hundreds of teachers and senior leaders, including KNUT Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo.
Hesbon Otieno, who represented KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, said the union would continue pursuing dialogue with the Government on matters affecting teachers.
He said engagement with the Government had contributed to several developments in the education sector, including the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers, increased funding for promotions and the review of the Career Progression Guidelines.
“The interests and welfare of teachers must remain at the centre of everything we do as a union,” Otieno said.
He urged teachers to recognise the gains made through engagement with the Government, while maintaining that KNUT would continue pushing for better working conditions, professional growth and improved welfare for its members.
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Otieno said funding for teacher promotions had increased from Sh1 billion to Sh2 billion, describing the move as one of the developments that would benefit teachers.
He also encouraged teachers to support President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that continued cooperation between the union and the Government would help address challenges facing the education sector.
The KNUT official also commended the Homa Bay branch leadership for organising the fundraiser and mobilising teachers and other stakeholders.
He singled out Branch Executive Secretary Hilda Otieno and other branch officials for their efforts in strengthening the union at the local level.
Otieno also praised Governor Gladys Wanga for what he described as her continued support for teachers since she assumed office.
He called on teachers to reciprocate the support by backing the governor’s leadership.
Governor Wanga thanked teachers for working with the county government and appealed to them to support the Broad-Based Government.
She pointed to Government programmes in areas such as infrastructure and affordable housing, saying they were intended to improve the lives of Kenyans.
The fundraiser attracted leaders from different KNUT branches as well as officials from other organisations within the education sector.
Among those who attended were Nyando KNUT Branch Executive Secretary Kananga, Rachuonyo KNUT Branch Executive Secretary Roseline Otieno, the Suba KNUT Branch Executive Secretary, Homa Bay KUPPET officials, Keystone SACCO representatives and Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KECSHA) officials.
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Representatives from Sister KNUT branches also contributed towards the fundraiser, adding to the funds raised for the Homa Bay branch.
The event provided an opportunity for union officials and teachers to discuss the welfare of educators while also strengthening cooperation among different branches.
The branch leadership said the funds would help enhance its ability to serve teachers and strengthen its activities at the grassroots.
The gathering also highlighted the growing role of teacher unions in engaging Government on employment, career progression and other issues affecting educators.
By Jonathan Mwinzi
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