The 2025 Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) West Pokot Branch Annual General Meeting was a vibrant affair, a colourful celebration of unity, progress, and renewed energy in the teaching fraternity. Teachers, guests, and education stakeholders filled the venue with excitement as the branch showcased its remarkable milestones and reaffirmed its commitment to improving education standards in the region.
Branch Executive Secretary Mr. Martin Sembelo opened the event by acknowledging the dedication of teachers across the county, crediting them for driving academic and co-curricular excellence. He cited the success of Totum Comprehensive School, which represented West Pokot County at the East Africa Games 2025, as a shining example of the region’s thriving education sector.
Sembelo commended teachers for their resilience and called upon the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently address the shortage of 1,800 teachers in the county to ensure quality education for all learners. He also urged the Commission to promote teachers who excel both academically and in co-curricular activities, noting that motivation and recognition are key to professional growth.
He further lauded the County Security team for maintaining peace and safety, especially in border schools, and expressed gratitude to all KNUT officials for their unwavering support in strengthening the union’s activities.
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Sembelo also celebrated the cordial relationship between KNUT, KEPSHA, and the County Government, applauding the government for providing bursaries that have kept many learners in school.
He revealed that plans for establishing a new university in West Pokot are at an advanced stage, a development expected to open doors for higher education within the county.
Earlier in the event, Branch Chairman Mr. Joel Partich led members through key sections of the KNUT Constitution, including the retirement age of branch executive secretaries, ensuring teachers remained informed of union regulations.
Representing the TSC Director Esther Musani, Mr. Thomas Kedinyang from the TSC County Office urged teachers to uphold professionalism and discipline, noting that KNUT and TSC in West Pokot continue to enjoy a strong, collaborative relationship.
Ms. Dorcas Jecinta Kiptoo, the National Executive Council Member for Rift Valley, echoed the renewed spirit of unity and strength within KNUT, saying, KNUT is more energized and united than ever before.
The highlight of the AGM was the address by Mr. Kennedy Nyamwanda from the KNUT National Office, representing Secretary General Mr. Collins Oyuu. Nyamwanda celebrated teachers as the backbone of the union and applauded their resilience through challenging times.
He noted that KNUT’s membership, which had dropped to 9,000, has now risen to over 200,000 members, signaling renewed trust and vibrancy within the union.
“There was a time when KNUT membership had dropped to 9000 teachers only but in solidarity the KNUT membership is over 200,000.”Nyamwanda said.
He also revealed that KNUT successfully negotiated for teachers’ payment timelines to be reduced from four to two years, a major win for educators across the country.
Nyamwanda further praised the government for employing a record 76,000 teachers, with the number expected to rise to 116,000, and reaffirmed that TSC should remain the sole employer of teachers. He also called for an end to punitive transfers and proposed that Grade 1 to 9 learners remain under one Head of Institution in a comprehensive school structure.
The colourful event was attended by a host of branch leaders and guests from Chepkoilel, Wareng, Koibatek, Nakuru, Keiyo, Bureti, Kericho, Trans Nzoia, and Eldoret West, among others, who expressed solidarity with the host county.
As KNUT West Pokot Branch celebrates yet another successful AGM, it remains steadfast in championing teachers’ welfare, professional growth, and educational excellence. With renewed energy and unity, the branch continues to stand tall as a pillar of empowerment, proving that when teachers thrive, the nation prospers.
By Our Reporter
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