Oyuu urges teachers to build alternative income sources before retirement, shun excessive borrowing

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has urged teachers in Rarieda Sub-County to embrace financial discipline, invest wisely and strengthen unity within the union as they prepare for life beyond active service.

Speaking during a meeting with Heads of Institutions (HOIs) from Rarieda at Ports DT Sacco in Mombasa, the SG challenged teachers to develop alternative sources of income, make prudent financial decisions and avoid excessive borrowing that could undermine their financial stability.

He cautioned teachers against relying heavily on mobile phone loans, repeated loan top-ups and advances from financial institutions, warning that such borrowing could leave them financially strained.

During the meeting, Ports DT Sacco officials took the visiting delegation through the Sacco's products, savings culture, responsible borrowing and timely loan repayment, and highlighted membership opportunities.

Oyuu said he felt at home among the Rarieda delegation and asked teachers from the region to appreciate their influence within KNUT's national leadership. He said Nyanza Region holds an important position in the union and urged Rarieda teachers to remain united and give his leadership a strong foundation.

Rarieda headteachers during their visit to Port Sacco in Mombasa while attending KECSHA national conference

He asked the Rarieda KNUT Executive Secretary to bring teachers together, putting aside divisions arising from the recently concluded union elections and focusing on their common interests.

He also urged those who lost in the previous union elections to support the successful candidates, noting that future leadership opportunities would arise.

Oyuu encouraged teachers to draw inspiration from their humble beginnings and use their achievements as motivation to pursue greater opportunities. He challenged heads of institutions to invest in personal development, build their own homes and create employment for spouses who are not formally employed by setting up viable businesses.

On professional matters, he recognised teachers who had distinguished themselves in curricular and co-curricular activities and urged educators to keep contributing to the profession.

He also called for greater recognition of the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA), encouraging school leaders to value and support the association's role in the education sector.

Oyuu encouraged all teachers, including Junior School teachers, to join KNUT. He also called on teachers to support the government of the day, saying its agenda was intended to advance the interests of educators and the country.