Teachers Petition Against KNUT Unconstitutional Changes and Suspension of Officials
Teachers from the Rongo KNUT chapter in Migori County have urgently petitioned the Senate to express their grave concerns over the leadership and governance of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
The KNUT constitution allegedly being changed arbitrarily, officials in various branches being suspended, and other matters hurting the teacher’s union are all highlighted in the petition.
In a letter dated August 16, 2023, to the Clerk of the Senate, the petitioner, Mr. Nixon Odhiambo Ngutu, raises important issues that have caused both teachers and citizens alike to express grave worry. The petition places special emphasis on the following issues:
KNUT has allegedly been conducting business under a constitution that its members have not duly revised, according to the petition. As a result, the legitimacy of the union’s actions and decisions is called into question.
Composition of Teacher Representatives: The petitioner draws attention to allegedly inconsistent representation of teachers in KNUT’s national office and branches. The allegation implies that the bulk of these representatives are retired teachers, which is at odds with the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) definition of a “active teacher.”
Deregistration of Retired Teachers: According to the petitioner, KNUT disregarded TSC rules when it came to removing retired teachers from the payroll, which could have resulted in financial irregularities.
unfair Election Criteria: According to the petitioner, it is unfair to require instructors running for national office seats to be among the top four branch members.
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Resolutions from Meetings Vary: According to the petitioner, the decisions made by KNUT delegates are not adequately reflected in the minutes and resolutions that have been filed with the registrar of society.
Transparency in Retirement Ages: The petitioner asks for transparency in retirement ages of KNUT officials, especially those who are covered by Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu’s protection.
Teachers Petition Against KNUT Unconstitutional Changes and Suspension of Officials
Concerns regarding age-related constraints are addressed by highlighting a provision in the constitution that suggests age should not be a factor in determining whether an elected official serves a full term.
Branch Amalgamation: The petitioner raises objections to the merging of branches, arguing that this action violates the devolutionary and equitable service delivery principles.
giving Funds: The petitioner criticises the justification for giving money to branches and recommends that, rather than a system based only on numerical strength, the National Executive Council (NEC) should be in charge of making choices.
The petitioner emphasises that the KNUT union is intended to represent working teachers, not retired ones, and says that this essential tenet should be respected.
Allegations of Economic Mismanagement: Citing differences between KNUT records and TSC data regarding retired officials, the petitioner charges Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu of economic mismanagement.
Personal Influence in Branch activities: The petition alleges that Mr. Oyuu has been using his personal connections to influence branch activities, citing instances such as the selective replacement of officials.
Disqualification of Officials: The petitioner questions whether it was legal for certain officials to be elected after they had passed the necessary retirement age, claiming this may have gone against the letter of the law.
The petitioner makes an appeal to the Senate, arguing that teacher welfare and the rule of law are at risk, to step in and address the problems afflicting KNUT’s management.
The claims made in the petition made clear the need of openness, responsibility, and adherence to set rules and regulations in the management of a crucial organisation that protects the interests of teachers all over Kenya.
Teachers Petition Against KNUT Unconstitutional Changes and Suspension of Officials
