The leadership of teachers’ unions in Bungoma County has issued a strong call for the immediate removal of the County Education Director, citing gross incompetence, mismanagement, and failure to address critical issues affecting the education sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Bungoma Town, representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) expressed their dissatisfaction with the current leadership, accusing the director of neglecting teachers’ welfare and failing to implement crucial policy measures.
“We can no longer sit back and watch as the education system in Bungoma deteriorates due to poor leadership,” said Mr Augustine Luketelo, the KNUT Bungoma Branch Secretary.
“Our teachers are facing numerous challenges, including delayed promotions, unfair transfers, and lack of engagement on key issues, yet the County Education Director has remained unresponsive.”
KUPPET Bungoma Chairman Mr Robert Mandila echoed these sentiments, stating that repeated attempts to engage the County Education Director on matters affecting teachers and learners had been ignored.
He further alleged that corruption and favoritism had taken root in the education office, disadvantaging many hardworking educators.
The unions have raised several grievances, including the lack of transparency in teacher transfers and promotions, which they claim has led to unfair appointments and career stagnation for many educators.
They have also criticized the failure to address the shortage of teachers in public schools, which has resulted in an overwhelming workload for existing staff.
Additionally, they lament poor working conditions for educators, citing inadequate resources and a lack of support from the education office.
Furthermore, they accuse the County Education Director of negligence in responding to teachers’ concerns and grievances, deepening frustrations among educators.
The unions have issued a seven-day ultimatum for action to be taken, failing which they have vowed to stage countywide protests and take legal action to push for the removal of the education chief.
“We are demanding that the Ministry of Education intervene immediately. If no action is taken, we will mobilize teachers across Bungoma to take a stand for their rights,” warned Mr Mandila.
The teachers’ unions have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring quality education in Bungoma County and have called upon education stakeholders, political leaders, and civil society groups to support their cause.
