Sossion reaffirms interest in top Knut post
Wilson Sossion (left), the National Chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), with Mudzo Nzili who is the union's national acting Secretary General. Sossion has declared he would accept the post of secretary-general if chosen. PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI
What you need to know:
- He said teachers had been pushing him to contest the seat and he would not let them down.
- Mr Sossion said he would fight for teachers’ rights in whatever capacity as they worked hard to promote education.
Teachers’ union chairman Wilson Sossion has declared he would accept the post of secretary-general if chosen.
He said teachers had been pushing him to contest the seat and he would not let them down.
Speaking in Kerugoya town in Kirinyaga County on Saturday during a fund-raiser for school principal Charles Ngotho whose house was destroyed in a fire, Mr Sossion said 2,800 delegates will choose the next secretary-general of the Kenya National Union (Knut) in December.
“Currently, I am the national chairman but if the delegates endorse me, I will just cross over and continue serving teachers as secretary-general,” he said.
He said Knut was democratic and any of member was free to contest.
Mr Sossion urged those who had declared their interest in the seat to campaign in a mature manner.
“Our union has been united for decades and members should not be divided by the election, which will take just one hour,” he said.
TEACHERS' RIGHTS
Mr Sossion said he would fight for teachers’ rights in whatever capacity as they worked hard to promote education.
He demanded that head teachers be paid responsibility allowances.
“Head teachers are recognised as managers by the government but they are treated like any other teaching staff. They do not enjoy responsibility allowances. This is a mockery,” he said.
He also urged the government to employ more teachers.
“The ratio of teachers to children is 1:100, which overburdens the staff,” he said.
Mr Sossion said normally, one teacher should have a class of 25 children.
During the function, Kirinyaga Knut officials led by Mr Harrison Gichira endorsed Mr Sossion for the seat.
“Although he has not approached us, we have endorsed him whether he likes it or not. He is the most competent person for the job,” Mr Gichira said.
Area MP Gachoki Gitari and Senator Daniel Karaba also urged Mr Sossion to vie for the post.
“You have been championing the rights of teachers boldly and you are the most qualified for the post,” Mr Gitari said.
