By Roy Hezron
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) National Treasurer John Mating’i has retired early from his position citing the need to concentrate on his Ph.D. studies.
He also said the move will allow him to have more time with his family as it emerged that he has moved to the Ministry of Education.
In his letter dated April 26, 2021 to Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion, Matiang’i stated that he wants to venture into other education sectors and national building.
“I hereby write to submit my request for early retirement from the National Executive Council of the Kenya National Union of Teachers,” said Matiang’i.
It however has emerged that Matiang’i had applied for transfer to the Ministry of Education as Deputy Director Education.
In a letter dated April 20, 2021 to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission with subject Transfer of Service, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha stated that the Ministry had no objection to the request.
“Mr. Matiang’i, a Head teacher working with the Teachers Service Commission has applied to transfer his services to the Ministry of Education with continuous service,” said Magoha’s letter.
He said the Ministry had no objection to the officer’s request because they have a vacancy in the grade of Deputy Director Education, Job Group “R”/CSG 6 against which he can be absorbed.
The Teachers Service Commission vide a letter ref. TSC/301170/142 dated April 12, 2021 also gave no objection to his request.
Rumors had earlier emerged that Matiang’i wanted to seek the Knut Secretary General’s seat in the coming elections, allegations he denied.
“Have I ever dreamt of that? The National Treasury seat has been revolving around Kisii and Ukambani since time immemorial and that has been the tradition,” said Matiang’i.
He stated his commitment to serving teachers and defending their rights since they unanimously voted for him, adding that it was the reason he declined to join the Salary’s and Remunerations Commission’s (SRC) in 2018.
“I am a teacher and teachers unanimously voted for me hence uplifting me from a branch official to the head office, that is the reason why I declined the SRC appointment because teachers could have thought I was betraying to go and look for salary,” said Matiang’i.
Matiang’I is a brother to Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Coordination of National Government Dr. Fred Matiang’i.
He worked for almost seven years in the Knut national office as an Assistant National Treasurer and National Treasurer respectively.
“This will assist me to obtain bounteous time to complete my PhD class at the University of Nairobi and reconnoiter into other sectors of education and national building besides providing ample time for my family,” said the letter.
He thanked the Knut national steering committee officials and the branches for supporting him and promised to support the union, teachers and education sector.
