Court bars KNUT elections pending hearing of case

Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Colins Oyuu addresses the press at a past event. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) elections, scheduled for April 2 and 3, have been put on hold following the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu issuing temporary orders to stop the exercise until a case filed by union member George Anyona Arek is heard later this month.

The matter was filed on March 30 at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Kisumu, dated March 27, before  Justice Makau stated,

The orders challenged the planned nominations and elections of officials of the KNUT Nairobi branch. The matter will now be heard on April 20.

According to the court document, the judge directed that the respondents, the registrar of trade unions and the Kenya National Union of Teachers, Nairobi branch, and two others, be barred from conducting the elections until the matter is determined.

“Upon considering the application, it is hereby ordered that the application is certified urgent. That pending the hearing inter parties an order of temporary injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and third respondents from conducting and or carrying out nominations or elections of officials of KNUT,” stated Justice Makau.

The latest order now throws uncertainty over the planned KNUT Nairobi branch elections, pending the determination of the case filed by Anyona.

With the temporary injunction in place, union officials and members will have to wait until the court hears the matter on April 20 to determine whether the elections can proceed.

The case names the Registrar of Trade Unions, the KNUT Nairobi branch, and two other parties as respondents.

The dispute comes at a time when KNUT branches across the country are preparing for internal elections to choose officials who will steer the union at the branch level.

Such elections are typically held periodically in accordance with the union’s constitution and play a critical role in determining leadership at grassroots levels.

KNUT remains one of the most influential labour organizations in Kenya, representing thousands of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.