Oyuu wins second term unopposed as KNUT ushers in new leadership

Collins Oyuu was yesterday re-elected the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary general, bringing to an end a dramatic battle over the polls.

Oyuu secured a second term in April 3 elections that saw all officials elected unopposed.

The elections, conducted at the Tom Mboya Labour College, in Kisumu, marked a significant moment for one of Kenya’s most influential trade unions.

Nearly all top leadership positions were filled without contest, reflecting a strong show of unity and confidence among delegates drawn from across the country.

Oyuu, who faced no challenger during the nomination stage, was automatically declared the winner, paving the way for his continued leadership of the union from 2026 to 2031.

Wilson Sossion, who would have been his greatest contender was locked out of the elections by court.

Oyuu’s re-election signals continuity in KNUT’s leadership at a time when the union remains at the center of key conversations around teachers’ welfare, employment and reforms in the education sector.

The elections were largely uncontested, with most national positions attracting no opposition. Among those elected unopposed were National Chairman Patrick Karinga, First Vice National Chairman Malel Langat, and Second Vice National Chairman Aggrey Namisi.

Also returned unopposed were Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno, National Treasurer James Ndiku, Deputy National Treasurer Kennedy Nyamwanda and Assistant National Treasurer Kullow Mohammed. In the women’s leadership category, Mercy Kambati and Mercy Ndung’u were also elected unopposed.

Early Friday morning, long queues were witnessed at the college as KNUT members turned out in large numbers to participate in the exercise. Delegates, some arriving as early as dawn, lined up patiently to take part in a process that would determine the future leadership of the union.

Despite the high turnout, the elections remained calm and orderly throughout the day. Election officials ensured that the process adhered strictly to laid-down procedures, while security personnel were deployed across the venue to maintain law and order. The smooth conduct of the exercise was widely seen as a testament to improved organisational efficiency within the union.

Oyuu’s re-election also highlights his long and steady rise within KNUT’s leadership structures, spanning nearly three decades.

His journey in trade unionism began in 1996 when he was elected as a branch executive committee member in Siaya County. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, serving as Bondo Branch Chairman in 2002 before becoming Rarieda Branch Secretary in 2008.

In 2013, he joined the KNUT National Steering Committee, marking his entry into the union’s top decision-making organ. His leadership trajectory continued upward, eventually serving as acting National Chairman before ascending to the position of Secretary General.

Prior to his union leadership roles, Oyuu worked as a teacher at Ruma Primary School, grounding his experience in the realities faced by classroom teachers.

Speaking after his re-election, Oyuu pledged to build on gains made during his first term and intensify efforts to improve teachers’ welfare.

He emphasised stronger advocacy, better terms of service and closer collaboration with education stakeholders. “As a two-time Secretary-General, we will scale up efforts to ensure teachers enjoy better terms and conditions of service,” he said.

He congratulated fellow officials elected alongside him, noting their mandate reflected teachers’ trust in the current leadership. He also thanked delegates for their patience and participation, describing the elections as a historic moment for the union.

Reflecting on the past five years, Oyuu said KNUT had faced serious challenges, including internal disputes and court battles that threatened its stability.

However, he noted the union has since stabilised and grown stronger through teamwork and collaboration across its leadership structures.
He credited the National Executive Council, regional councils and branch officials for steering the union through recovery. According to him, unity and collective effort remain the backbone of KNUT’s strength.

Oyuu highlighted key achievements from his first term, including increased teacher employment, progress in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum and improved relations within the education sector. He underscored the need for continued engagement with the Teachers Service Commission.He criticised repeated court challenges, terming them unnecessary distractions, and lauded COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli for his support.

Looking ahead, Oyuu outlined priorities, including addressing teacher shortages through increased recruitment, urging the government to hire at least 25,000 teachers annually.

He also proposed reducing the Collective Bargaining Agreement cycle from four to three years and called for a fair, transparent promotion system.

Karinga praised delegates for a peaceful process and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights, improving their welfare and unity nationwide.