The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) West Pokot Branch held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) with renewed vigour, unity, and purpose. The meeting marked a turning point — a declaration that KNUT, once on the brink of collapse, is back stronger than ever. From a membership low of just 9,000 teachers a few years ago, the union has now surged past 200,000 active members, reclaiming its place as the authentic voice of Kenya’s educators.
Teachers, administrators, and education stakeholders filled the hall, their energy and optimism unmistakable. It was more than just a meeting — it was a reunion of resilience, a reaffirmation of the union’s mission to protect and empower the Kenyan teacher.
Deputy National Treasurer Kennedy Nyawanda delivered a rousing address that set the tone for the AGM. “The darkest days of this union are behind us,” he declared. “KNUT is not just back — it is stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before.”
He praised President William Ruto’s administration for employing over 76,000 teachers and preparing to recruit 116,000 more, calling it a historic move.
Nyawanda also urged teachers to plan wisely for retirement and invest in their children’s education, saying, “A teacher’s wealth is not in money, but in the legacy they build.”
He, however, cautioned that some 5% of school heads still mistreat teachers, especially Junior Secondary School (JSS) instructors. “Leadership is not intimidation,” he said. “It is listening, guiding, and inspiring.”
Nyawanda reaffirmed KNUT’s push for the Comprehensive School model, where ECDE to Grade 9 learners will operate under one principal. He said this structure ensures smoother management, accountability, and holistic learner development.
He also called for automatic progression of teachers from C1 to C3, emphasising that promotions should be transparent, timely, and fair. Teachers have given their all. They deserve to grow with dignity,” he insisted.
On the issue of medical cover, Nyawanda was firm: “Let it be known that we are not agreeing to any medical cover that is not comprehensive. We shall fully engage with the Ministry of Health and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) before we give it a clean bill of health.”
Morality and Integrity
The Deputy Treasurer cautioned teachers against immoral conduct, especially involving learners. “Teachers must maintain the highest ethical standards,” he said. “If you must fall in love, choose from the many respectable single adults out there — not from your pupils.”
He reminded teachers that they are nation builders and must uphold values that protect the profession’s integrity.
In his powerful presentation, KNUT West Pokot Executive Secretary Mr Martin Sembelo praised teachers for their resilience amid harsh conditions. He reported that the county has 3,400 teachers, against a shortage of 1,800, and called for urgent recruitment to ease the pressure on those in service.
Sembelo empathised with heads of institutions who have faced a rough time due to irregular disbursement of funds, urging them to remain patient and cooperative. He also pleaded with senior teachers to mentor JSS educators rather than criticise them.
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He lauded Totum School for reaching the East Africa Games finals, describing the achievement as proof that dedication and teamwork yield results.
He further noted that more students than ever before from West Pokot have enrolled in universities — a sign that teachers’ hard work is paying off.
Fighting Mismanagement
Sembelo announced that, according to a KNUT directive, all Burial and Benevolent Fund (BBF) resources must now be managed directly under the union. “We cannot allow teachers’ hard-earned contributions to disappear through poor management,” he said.
He revealed that 35 recently promoted headteachers had yet to be posted to schools. In contrast, some schools had three or four deputy heads — an imbalance the union wants corrected immediately.
Sembelo said he had no personal differences with the former county director but was opposed to “fictitious dealings that disregard the interests of learners.” He commended the West Pokot County Government for supporting education through bursaries and infrastructure upgrades, and for allocating KSh 50 million to kick-start Kapenguria University by 2026.
Security, Health, and Justice
Sembelo recalled an incident where teachers were falsely arrested in Chesegon by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers, sparking outrage across the country. He commended the County Commissioner for intervening swiftly and averting a larger crisis.
He also decried cases where teachers suffered mistreatment from medical providers, saying at least 10 teachers were subjected to unfriendly services. “No teacher deserves humiliation in the hands of those meant to help them,” he said.
The Executive Secretary was clear that politicians must keep out of school affairs. “They interfere with administration, transfers, and appointments,” he said. “Schools are places of learning, not platforms for politics.”
He urged the government to reverse the delocalisation policy, saying it tore families apart and lowered teacher morale. “Many families disintegrated because of the infamous delocalisation policy. Teachers are human beings, not statistics,” he emphasised.
Teaching Spirit
Sembelo praised teachers for their tireless commitment to implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) despite limited resources. He admitted that CBE is more expensive than the previous 8-4-4 system. However, he insisted it is necessary to produce market-ready students.
He expressed deep gratitude to teachers who “stayed loyal to the union even when times were tough.” He reminded them that unity remains KNUT’s greatest weapon.
Bringing the meeting to a close, TSC County Director Dr Esther Musani commended teachers for their hard work and urged them to maintain the highest levels of integrity during the ongoing national examinations.
She revealed that promotion slots had been allocated to elderly teachers nearing 59 years old, in recognition of their long service. Dr Musani also applauded the World Bank’s initiative to train P1 teachers for Junior Secondary Schools, noting that this move will help bridge the shortage of qualified educators.
She encouraged teachers to remain focused, saying, “Examinations are a test of not just students, but of our own honesty as a nation.”
The KNUT West Pokot AGM was not just another annual ritual — it was a statement of revival, courage, and determination. From the pain of delocalisation to the triumph of restored membership, KNUT has proven that no challenge can outlast the unity of teachers who believe in their cause.
As the curtains fell, one message echoed across the hall: KNUT is back — stronger, wiser, and more focused than ever.
In the words of Kennedy Nyawanda, “KNUT is not just a union; it is the heartbeat of Kenya’s education.” And as Martin Sembelo reminded teachers, “When we stand together, even the storms of politics, poverty, and policy cannot shake us.”
With renewed energy, renewed faith, and a renewed vision, the teachers of West Pokot left the AGM with one common pledge — to teach with passion, serve with integrity, and keep KNUT’s flag flying high.
By Hillary Muhalya and Martin Ruto
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