Kumi bila break! Oyuu speaks after being re-elected as KNUT SG

Knut re-elected Secretary General Collins Oyuu speaking to the media at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on April 2, 2026. /FAITH MATETE

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has vowed to intensify efforts to improve teachers’ welfare after being elected for a second term, declaring “kumi bila break” as he addressed the press following his confirmation.

Oyuu was elected unopposed as Secretary General, with Hesbon Otieno taking up the position of Deputy Secretary General during elections held at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

The exercise brought together delegates from across the country to fill various national leadership positions within the union.

Speaking during a press briefing after his confirmation, Oyuu credited the outcome to the union’s track record, saying their work for teachers had earned the trust and confidence of members.

“Kumi bila break...It is true that we have worked for these teachers. I want to say here and now that we shall escalate and augment what we have done to make it a notch higher, so that teachers of this republic shall enjoy better terms and conditions of service courtesy of this great union,” he said.

He congratulated his colleagues who were elected unopposed and called for unity within the union, urging those still contesting positions to work together for the benefit of teachers once the election process concludes.

“I want to congratulate my colleagues with whom we have been elected unopposed and pray for the one contesting for the position of assistant secretary general to join us once he is pronounced the winner," he said.

"So that is where we are… I'll not be shy to say, hii imeenda!"

Also elected unopposed were National Chairman Patrick Karinga, First Vice National Chairman Malel Langat, and Second Vice National Chairman Aggrey Namisi.

Other positions filled without contest included National Treasurer James Ndiku, Deputy National Treasurer Kennedy Nyamwanda, and Assistant National Treasurer Kullow Mohammed, while Mercy Kambati and Mercy Ndungu secured women’s leadership positions unopposed.

Out of the eleven national posts, only the Assistant Secretary General position remained competitive as voting continued.

Oyuu’s re-election follows earlier nominations in which he emerged unopposed, paving the way for his automatic return to office for the 2026–2031 term.

Oyuu had earlier lauded what he described as a smooth election process, which he said reflects the union’s internal discipline and cohesion.

“This level of organisation attests to the fact that we deliver for the teachers of this republic. We are so strong as a union because this union is a union of order. Our process of nominations and elections is so fluid, no interruptions because of our super level of organisation.”

With his second term secured, Oyuu now faces the task of steering KNUT through ongoing negotiations on teachers’ welfare, salaries, and working conditions.