The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Teso Branch has marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating 972 days in office under the leadership of Executive Secretary Geoffrey Otori Ekasiba. The event, held during the 19th Annual General Meeting at the KNUT Multipurpose Hall in Amagoro, attracted over 500 members and was graced by KNUT Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno, who presented a trophy to the branch for its outstanding performance.
Speaking during the occasion, Otieno commended the Teso Branch for being the first among 110 branches in the country to induct and train school representatives. The branch currently has 175 trained school representatives who serve as vital links between schools and the union’s executive team. “They are the branch’s foot soldiers who feed the executive with vital information from schools within the branch,” he said.
Otieno also updated members on the issues raised by the KNUT leadership during a recent meeting with President William Ruto at State House on October 13, 2025. He noted that the President had committed to ensuring dismissed teachers receive their terminal benefits, reducing the duration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement from four to two years, doubling the number of promotions to 50,000, and reviewing both the medical cover and the capitation formula to ensure efficiency.
Public Administration Secretary and Busia gubernatorial aspirant, Arthur Amug Osiya, who attended the event, announced a donation of Ksh500,000 to support the AGM after learning of financial constraints. Osiya praised the branch for its resilience and called for a new approach to county leadership.
In his address, Executive Secretary Geoffrey Ekasiba said that despite challenges, the Teso Branch had managed to hold two AGMs since assuming office, which he described as a rare achievement. “Only 66 out of 110 branches have managed to conduct their AGMs, and we are proud to be among them,” he said. He added that the branch has seen steady growth in membership, which currently stands at 1,700, and encouraged teachers still paying agency fees to register as full KNUT members.
Ekasiba extended his gratitude to Busia MPs Oku Kaunya and Mary Emaase, as well as other leaders, for their support in making the event a success. He criticized the Kenya National Examinations Council for delayed payments to teachers involved in examination duties and warned that KNUT members might withdraw their services if the issue is not resolved. He further urged the Ministry of Education to fully fund co-curricular activities to prevent disruptions in schools.
The branch secretary also called on the Teachers Service Commission to end delocalization, arguing that it has disrupted family life among teachers. “Teachers used to enjoy their sleep. Now marriages are strained due to unnecessary transfers,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
He also urged TSC to prioritize the employment of P1 teachers, saying the branch faces a shortage of 400 teachers, and to consider age and affirmative action in future recruitments.
Ekasiba revealed that the branch is struggling with a debt of Ksh14 million owed to retirees under the Education Scheme and another Ksh11 million under the Burial and Benevolent Fund. He appealed to the national office and partners to assist in clearing the arrears. On government funding, he reiterated the union’s demand that capitation funds be disbursed according to the 50:30:20 rule and be based on actual school enrolment rather than the NEMIS system.
Branch chairman Alex Omoit paid tribute to five members who passed away since the last AGM and commended the national KNUT office for signing the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement with TSC, which he said has improved teachers’ welfare. He added that members have rejected the proposed shift from AON Minet to SHA, citing the quality services and benefits offered under AON Minet.
Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua, who also attended the event, urged leaders to prioritize bursary allocations for orphans and vulnerable learners. She expressed concern over delayed pension payments and called on the National Treasury to address the issue urgently. Former KNUT women representative Lydia Nabwire endorsed PAS Osiya’s gubernatorial bid, praising him for transforming education in the county through the installation of solar panels, water systems, and televisions in schools.
Angurai North MCA Isaac Wamalwa called on the county government to respect and support teachers, lamenting that some are still conducting lessons under trees. Teso South MP aspirant Patrick Ataro, who contributed Ksh20,000 towards the AGM, declared his intention to contest the seat in 2027, pledging to prioritize education in his agenda.
The meeting was attended by representatives from other KNUT branches, including Mumias South, Bungoma South, Bungoma West, and Kisumu City. Bungoma South Executive Secretary Kennedy Luketelo decried the perennial delays in capitation disbursement, saying it forces schools into debt. “Schools incur huge debts because of delayed funding, and KNUT will not entertain any capitation write-offs,” he warned.
As the celebrations came to a close, the mood was one of pride and optimism. The KNUT Teso Branch, now 972 days into its leadership, continues to grow in strength and influence. “Our principle remains clear, a better teacher, a better learner, and a better society,” said Ekasiba to loud applause from the gathered members.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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