The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet Branch has recently issued a strong call for the immediate removal of the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Education and the Chief Officer (CO) from their positions. This demand was made public by Desmond Langat, the Branch Executive Secretary, who leveled serious accusations against the two officials, alleging arrogance, mistreatment of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, and sabotaging negotiations between the union and the teachers.
In a recent address following a meeting with ECDE teachers from the county, Langat did not mince words in his criticism. He urged the county assembly to take swift action in removing the duo, emphasizing that this step is crucial to salvaging the education sector in Bomet. “The Education CECM is so arrogant and talks recklessly to teachers. Recently, three CECMs were kicked out by the MCAs, and we ask the MCAs to include the Education CECM and his CO in the list of those who need to go home,” Langat stated.
Langat’s remarks reflect a deep-seated frustration with the current administration’s handling of education matters, particularly concerning ECDE teachers. One of the primary grievances highlighted was the recent dismissal of 127 teachers whose contracts had expired. Langat contended that instead of terminating these teachers’ contracts, the officials should have confirmed their positions, given their years of service. This move, according to Langat, not only displays a lack of appreciation for the teachers’ dedication and hard work but also disrupts the continuity and quality of education for young learners.
The call for the removal of the Education CECM and CO is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with county officials. Langat pointed out that the county assembly had previously removed three CECMs, indicating that there is precedent and capacity within the assembly to take decisive action when necessary. He urged the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to extend this scrutiny to the Education CECM and the CO, whose actions he described as detrimental to the education sector.
This situation underscores a significant conflict between the KNUT Bomet Branch and the county education officials. The union’s stance is clear: the current leadership has failed to support and uplift the teachers, who are essential to the development and nurturing of young minds in the county. The accusations of arrogance and poor treatment, coupled with the mishandling of teacher contracts, paint a picture of an administration out of touch with the needs and realities of the education sector.
The demand for the removal of the CECM and CO is a bold step, reflecting the union’s commitment to advocating for teachers’ rights and the betterment of the education system. It also highlights the union’s willingness to hold leaders accountable for their actions. Whether the county assembly will heed this call remains to be seen, but the pressure from KNUT and the affected teachers is mounting.
In conclusion, the KNUT Bomet Branch’s call for the removal of the Education CECM and CO brings to light serious issues within the county’s education administration. The allegations of arrogance, mistreatment of teachers, and poor decision-making regarding teacher contracts are significant concerns that need addressing. The union’s appeal to the county assembly to take action underscores the urgency and importance of restoring confidence and stability in the education sector in Bomet. As this situation unfolds, the eyes of the education community and the public will be on the county assembly to see if it will act in the best interests of the teachers and the young learners they serve.
