- KNUT has called for increased investment in teachers and improved working conditions to mark World Teachers’ Day 2026.
- Oyuu has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to teachers’ welfare and their participation in education policy.
- The union has urged the government and stakeholders to use the 60th anniversary to renew commitment to protecting the profession.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called for increased investment in teachers and improved working conditions as Kenya joins the world in marking World Teachers’ Day 2026.
In a message to mark the day, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said the union remains committed to protecting teachers’ welfare, promoting their professional growth and ensuring they have a meaningful voice in education policy.
This year’s celebrations mark 60 years since the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, an international framework that set out key principles on teachers’ rights, working conditions and professional status. The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”
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KNUT said the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made in advancing the teaching profession while renewing efforts to address challenges facing educators.
“KNUT reaffirms its commitment to promoting the welfare and professional growth of teachers through constructive social dialogue and meaningful participation in education policy,” the union said.
The union urged the government and other education stakeholders to make sustained investments in teachers, arguing that adequate support and favourable working conditions are critical to the delivery of quality education. It also called for stronger collaboration between governments, education stakeholders and communities in addressing issues affecting teachers and strengthening education systems.
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According to KNUT, teachers remain central to the development of learners and communities and deserve recognition and support commensurate with their contribution to national development. The union extended its appreciation to teachers across the country for their dedication and service, urging stakeholders to use the World Teachers’ Day celebrations to renew their commitment to protecting and advancing the profession.
The 2026 celebrations come amid continued debate over teachers’ welfare, career progression, working conditions and the need for adequate resources to support the delivery of education reforms. KNUT said the 60-year milestone should serve as a reminder that protecting teachers and improving their status is essential to building resilient education systems and shaping the future of generations to come.
By Jeff Kirui
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