KNUT Boss Collins Oyuu Praises Ruto Over Teacher Recruitment, Calls for Unity Among Unions

By Wasike Elvis 

 Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has praised President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as significant progress in the education sector, particularly the recruitment of teachers.

Oyuu said more than 100,000 teachers have been employed since President Ruto took office, describing the recruitment as one of the major gains made under the current administration. Government figures also indicate that more than 100,000 teachers have been recruited since 2022 as part of efforts to address the teacher shortage. 

Speaking during the Nandi East/Tinderet KNUT Branch Empowerment meeting in Nandi Hills, Oyuu said KNUT has adopted a policy of working with the government of the day to advance the interests of teachers and strengthen the education sector.

He said the union supports the government’s comprehensive school model, arguing that the transition under the Competency-Based Education reforms should be allowed to progress smoothly.

Oyuu also called for unity between KNUT and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), expressing concern over disagreements between the two unions.

He said KNUT would continue defending the interests and representation of its members, particularly as reforms in the education sector continue to reshape the teaching profession.

The KNUT secretary general further said the union wants to see teachers attain higher academic qualifications, including degree-level training, as the profession evolves.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over education reforms and the roles of teachers’ unions in the proposed changes. Recent reporting shows that KNUT supports the comprehensive school model, while also seeking changes to proposed provisions affecting teachers’ representation in education governance. 

Oyuu has previously maintained that KNUT’s engagement with government has contributed to gains for teachers. In August, he cited teacher recruitment as one of the achievements of the Ruto administration and called for continued cooperation between the union and government. 

The KNUT leader, who was re-elected unopposed for a second term in April 2026, has branded his renewed tenure “Kumi Bila Break”, pledging to continue pursuing improvements in teachers’ welfare and working conditions. 

Oyuu urged teachers to support efforts aimed at strengthening the education system and said cooperation between education stakeholders would be important as Kenya implements the ongoing curriculum and structural reforms.

He also appealed for continued engagement between teachers’ unions and the government, saying disagreements should be addressed through dialogue while keeping the welfare of teachers and learners at the centre of education policy.