War of words between Wilson Sossion and CS Fred Matiang’i continues over claims of corruption among teachers

KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion and Kericho Teachers Training College principal, Harry Langat are welcomed to the institution 49th graduation ceremony. Sossion told Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i that he is there to stay at the helm of the teachers union.

KERICHO: Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has told Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i that he was there to stay at the helm of the teachers union.

Coming a day after the union held its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting Sossion, said teachers had reaffirmed their support to his leadership.

"National Executive Council Empowered me and am not about to back down. We would like to tell the individuals in government scheming to remove me as Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General that the scheme will not work. I am here to stay and to speak on behalf of teachers without fear of favour," said Sossion.

Speaking during the 49th graduation ceremony of 500 primary school teachers at Kericho Teachers Training College (KTTC) Sossion urged the government to fast-track the hiring of teachers in the country.

"There is a shortage of 85,000 teachers in the country and all teachers graduating from public teachers training colleges must be employed immediately they graduate to avoid wastage of human resources," he said.

He added that the country faces a crisis of ageing teachers and a new blood of at least 20,000 teachers must be employed by July in order to be mentored by those in their last lap of their retirement.

The trade unionist who was accompanied by Knut first vice-chairman Wyclef Omuchei and Bomet Knut executive secretary Malel Langat and his Kericho counterpart Stanley Mutai also opposed curriculum review saying the minimum time required for the change of school curriculum is three years.

"The 8-4-4 system of education should remain as it. What can only be done is to change the contents and integrate the changes within the system," said Sossion

The Knut Secretary General at the same time claimed that the siphoning of Free Primary Education (FPE) funds began at the ministry of education and that is why Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission (EACC) investigations should begin.

He nonetheless, told the education CS that only strong audit system can prevent theft of public funds channelled to the ministry.

"The works of school heads is not to manage funds but to implement the schools' curriculum. Auditors are the ones who can prevent wastage. The ministry should therefore employ qualified accountant and bursars where are transferable and responsible for the prudent management of school funds," said Sossion.

The Knut secretary General also said teachers in the country would only sign the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) on the basis of all the benefits that had been awarded teachers between 2013- 2017.