Sammy Bor Defeated in Chepkoilel KNUT Branch Elections After Over 20 Years in Office

By Wasike Elvis

In a historic and tightly contested election, Sammy Bor, the long-serving executive of the Chepkoilel KNUT branch, has been defeated, ending more than two decades of continuous leadership. The elections, held on a calm and orderly morning, drew a massive turnout of teachers, demonstrating the democratic spirit and active engagement of KNUT members in shaping their union leadership.

The Chepkoilel branch election was part of a nationwide KNUT electoral process, which began in January and has already seen 60 branches conduct polls, with 50 more branches scheduled to follow. Speaking to the press, KNUT Assistant National Treasurer Kullow Mohamed Sheik lauded the conduct of the teachers, describing the Chepkoilel elections as “very peaceful and very fair.”

“Our teachers have turned up in very large numbers, exercising their democratic rights to elect leaders of their choice. KNUT remains a disciplined and orderly union, and our members are conducting themselves very maturely,” said Mohamed Sheik.

The newly elected Executive Secretary of the Chepkoilel branch, Kipkoech John, expressed gratitude to the teachers for placing their trust in his leadership. Previously serving as branch treasurer, John highlighted his commitment to addressing long-standing challenges affecting teachers, including promotions, medical cover, housing allowances, and welfare issues.

“I really thank God for this opportunity that the teachers of Chepkoilel have given me. They have entrusted me with the responsibility to serve them for the next five years, and I promise to uphold this trust,” said John.

John also highlighted one of his immediate priorities: ensuring that teachers in the former Eldoret municipality, now Eldoret City, are moved to the appropriate scale under the enhanced house allowance scheme. He emphasized the importance of uniting teachers to speak with one voice on matters affecting their welfare and professional growth.

“Our teachers have faced numerous challenges, from delays in promotions to lack of proper information and medical cover. Working closely with the relevant authorities, we will address these issues to ensure that teachers’ concerns are resolved once and for all,” John said. He further commended President William Ruto for pledging to double the number of teacher promotions from 21,000 to 56,000 in the coming financial year—a move he said will positively impact thousands of teachers in grades C1, C2, and C3.

Laurence Kibiwachebet, the newly elected BEC for Karuna Mbeki Zone, also addressed the press, emphasizing issues affecting teachers in hardship areas. Kibiwachebet highlighted the need for retention strategies in challenging postings and urged the government to automatically promote teachers in non-administrative job groups, reserving interviews only for administrative positions.

“The place I come from, Mbeki Zone, is considered a hardship area. Creating hardship allowances there will improve teacher retention. Through our able executive secretary, we will champion these rights and ensure that teachers benefit fully,” said Kibiwachebet.

Reverend Rose Chepoio Anasiali, elected as Chepkoilel branch Women Representative, pledged to champion the welfare of female teachers. She cited medical schemes, retirement benefits, and promotion fairness as her key focus areas. “Together with the branch executive and the members, and with God’s guidance, we will fight for the rights of teachers, especially women,” she said.

The defeat of Sammy Bor, who has served the Chepkoilel branch for over 20 years, marks the end of an era in the union’s local leadership. His tenure has been characterized by stability and continuity, but the teachers’ decision reflects a desire for fresh leadership and new approaches to addressing the evolving challenges faced by educators in the region.

With the new leadership in place, the Chepkoilel KNUT branch is poised for a period of renewed energy, unity, and proactive advocacy for teachers’ rights. Members of the union have expressed optimism that the incoming leaders will bring fresh ideas, inclusivity, and stronger representation, particularly on issues of promotion, welfare, and professional development.

As KNUT continues its nationwide elections, the Chepkoilel branch serves as a reminder of the union’s commitment to democratic processes, transparency, and the empowerment of its members.