ALEX WEKESA,BUNGOMA
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has announced a new leadership shift in Bungoma County following the promotion of Mr. Augustine Watamba, who previously served as the Chairperson of the KNUT Bungoma South Branch.
Mr. Watamba now takes over as the County Chairperson, succeeding Mr. John Kikechi, who has retired after years of dedicated service to the union and the teaching fraternity.
Mr. Kikechi’s retirement, in accordance with the KNUT Constitution, comes upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
His departure marks the end of an era of steady leadership, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and advocacy for teachers’ rights across Bungoma County.
The promotion of Mr. Watamba was officially confirmed and officiated by the KNUT National Executive Council (NEC) member representing the Western Region ,Mr.Moses Masika.
Speaking after his appointment, Mr. Watamba expressed deep gratitude to the union and his colleagues for the trust placed in him.
He pledged to build upon the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and continue championing the rights and welfare of teachers in Bungoma County.
“I am humbled by the confidence my colleagues and the NEC have shown in me. I assure all teachers in Bungoma County that there will be no leadership vacuum. We will continue working together to address the issues that affect our members both in and outside the classroom,” he said.
Mr. Watamba emphasized that his leadership would be inclusive and fair, promising to serve all teachers without discrimination.
He said that unity among educators and union officials was critical to achieving progress in the education sector, especially at a time when teachers face numerous professional and economic challenges.
“There will be no discrimination in the way we serve our members. Every teacher, regardless of their branch or position, deserves equal representation and support from the union,” he affirmed.
Addressing speculations about divisions within the Bungoma South Branch leadership, Mr. Watamba dismissed what he termed as “prophets of doom” who were attempting to create a rift between him and the branch executive secretary, Mr. Kennedy Luketelo.
He assured members that his relationship with Mr. Luketelo remains strong and founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger KNUT in Bungoma County.
“I want to make it clear that I am loyal to Mr. Luketelo, who has been instrumental in strengthening our union. We have worked together before and we will continue to do so. Our unity is what gives the union strength, and we will not allow baseless rumors to divide us,” he stated.
Mr. Watamba recalled his close working relationship with Mr. Luketelo during a past by-election within the union, during which he supported Luketelo’s successful bid for the position of executive secretary.
At the time, Luketelo succeeded Mr. Ken Nganga, who later left the position after being appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
“We have walked this journey together. I stood with Mr. Luketelo when he contested and won the executive secretary position. We both believe in the power of teamwork and transparency in serving our members,” Watamba noted.
The new county chairperson outlined his priorities, highlighting teacher welfare, professional development, and improved communication between the union leadership and the teaching community as his main focus areas.
He promised to maintain close contact with teachers at the grassroots level to understand and address the challenges they face daily.
“Our teachers are at the heart of education. I will ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed promptly. Whether it is promotion, transfers, or working conditions, I will be available to listen and act,” he assured.
Mr. Watamba also called for collaboration between KNUT and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), as well as the county government, to ensure better support for educators.
He emphasized that constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, would yield better results in resolving disputes and improving teacher morale.
The event marking his appointment ended with messages of goodwill from colleagues who lauded Mr. Watamba’s dedication and leadership qualities.
The KNUT ,executive secretary, Bungoma South Branch, Kennedy Luketelo, described him as a visionary leader committed to the unity and empowerment of teachers.
End.
