Teacher's union demands transfer of West Pokot education director

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has escalated its calls for the immediate transfer of West Pokot County Director of Education, Simon Wamae, accusing him of alleged mismanagement and authoritarian leadership.

Union officials, led by West Pokot Knut secretary Martin Sembelo, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Education, threatening to stage a three-day protest outside Wamae’s office if no action is taken.

“This is our second formal demand for his transfer. Kenya is not short of capable leaders who can work with us in West Pokot,” said Sembelo.

He alleged that Wamae’s leadership style was dictatorial.

KNUT also criticised an alleged directive from Wamae instructing primary school head teachers to collect Sh70 per pupil from parents.

The union further highlighted broader concerns, including the prolonged unemployment of trained P1 teachers. “Many of them are now parents with children in high school, yet they remain jobless,” Sembelo noted.

In response, Wamae dismissed the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.

“They should provide evidence. They’re just tarnishing my name. I reserve the right to take legal action,” he said.

On the Sh70 collection, he said it did not originate from his office.

“That’s the work of the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association. I did not authorise it, and it is indeed illegal. Schools usually budget for co-curricular activities, and if there’s a shortfall, headteachers are tasked with sourcing solutions—not my office.”

Wamae further suggested the dispute may be personal, noting that the local Knut secretary also serves on the County Education Board.

“If there are concerns, they should be raised at board meetings, not in the media. My role is to oversee curriculum implementation. Employment matters fall under the Teachers Service Commission,” he added.