Incumbent KNUT Kericho Branch Executive Secretary (BES) Ann Cheruiyot has opened a commanding lead over her challenger, David Ronoh, according to a new independent opinion poll conducted among KNUT-registered teachers across Kericho’s four sub-counties: Sigowet, Belgut, Ainamoi, and Soin.
The survey, carried out between October 30 and November 1, 2025, sampled 468 teachers proportionally across the sub-counties, with a margin of error of ±3.4%. The findings show that Cheruiyot continues to enjoy overwhelming support from teachers, a testament to her strong record of service and connection with members during her two years in office.
Cheruiyot’s rising popularity is largely attributed to her tangible achievements and people-centred leadership style. Since assuming office, she has successfully managed the transfer of over 1,000 teachers, overseen a modern facelift of the KNUT offices to enhance service delivery, and streamlined Minet insurance services to ensure teachers seeking medical treatment receive timely attention. Beyond Kericho, she has also extended welfare support to teachers in other parts of the Rift Valley and beyond, making her a respected figure across the teaching fraternity.
Her leadership is described by teachers as vibrant, approachable, flexible, and highly reachable. Many members say Cheruiyot listens to their concerns, responds promptly, and ensures that no teacher feels left behind. This has earned her admiration among teachers who feel both heard and supported — qualities that have set her apart from her competitors.
Interestingly, in the polls in Ronoh’s own home ground of Soin/Sigowet, Cheruiyot enjoys a remarkable 80% support compared to Ronoh’s 20%, a clear indication that her inclusive leadership and fairness have resonated deeply with teachers, regardless of regional affiliations. However, even in this area, many teachers expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership, accusing him of being unapproachable to non-local teachers and ineffective in defending the interests of those in the tea sector, despite his long service as a KTDA director.
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In Belgut, where Cheruiyot was born, brought up, and schooled at Kaptebeswet Primary school, she commands 70% support, reflecting the pride of locals in her success and leadership journey. Meanwhile, in Ainamoi, where she currently resides, Cheruiyot enjoys an overwhelming 90 percent support, with many teachers there describing her as a leader who will “live among them until Jesus comes,” capturing the deep affection and trust she has built within her community.
Overall, the poll places Cheruiyot at 62 percent support, compared to Ronoh’s 38 percent, with less than one percent undecided — a strong indication that teachers across the county have made up their minds about the direction they want their union to take.
While Cheruiyot’s two-year tenure has been marked by visible progress, Ronoh’s long career in union leadership — spanning more than 30 years, including 25 years as chairman and five years as a Branch Executive Committee member for Soin/Sigowet — is viewed by many as unproductive. Despite his involvement in various school boards and tea farmers’ representation, critics argue that little has changed under his watch, describing his potential elevation to Branch Executive Secretary as “a step backward” for the union.
Analysts observing the poll say the results reflect a broader shift toward performance-based and inclusive leadership among teachers in Kericho. Cheruiyot’s approach, marked by accessibility, fairness, and delivery of tangible results, has set her apart as a modern leader committed to unity and accountability.
With her commanding lead and strong grassroots connection, Ann Cheruiyot appears well on course for a decisive re-election slated for early next year. If current trends hold, she will continue to serve as the only female KNUT Branch Executive Secretary in the Rift Valley region, championing teachers’ By welfare with integrity, inclusivity, and measurable impact.
By Philip Koech
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