By Isaac Mutiso, Busia
Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma has assured the teaching fraternity of his administration’s commitment to uplift the education standards in the County.
The Governor said his government is working round the clock to streamline its activities and will continue to engage education stakeholders to ensure all devolved functions under the sector are achieved.
“We are done with the policy on Early Childhood Education and the feeding program awaiting operationalisation next term after factoring it in the budget,” he said.
Dr Otuoma added that his development agenda and economic revitalisation program is anchored on four pillars namely Improved delivery of Health care services, Education, Infrastructural development and Poverty eradication thus the need to work closely with the national government.
“Its very rare to have a Governor in the midst of teachers affairs. Your presence here today is not taken for granted and reciprocates the trust these teachers have in your leadership. Let us continue working together for the benefit of our learners,” said Mr Oyuu
Dr Otuoma made the remarks during the 23rd Kenya National Union of Teacher (KNUT) Annual General Meeting for Busia Branch at Lugale Comprehensive Primary School in Bunyala South Ward.
The event was graced by KNUT Secretary General Henry Collins Oyuu, National Executive Council Officials, representatives from 18 branches from Western Region and Busia teachers.
Mr Oyuu said lauded the governor for honouring teachers, and cementing their mutual working relations.
“Its very rare to have a Governor in the midst of teachers affairs. Your presence here today is not taken for granted and reciprocates the trust these teachers have in your leadership. Let us continue working together for the benefit of our learners,” said the SG.
He further commended teachers unions; KNUT and KUPPET for agreeing to work together for sole purpose of addressing the plight of teachers in the country.
During the plenary, the tutors highlighted a number of emerging professional issues affecting them including delocalisation, unfair disciplinary measures and transfers, promotions, unpleasant government policies, poor management of co-curriculum activities and Minnet medical cover.
“Teachers are suffering from unauthorized deductions from KEWOTA and KUSNET. We appreciate the efforts of the National Office to stop these deductions to alleviate teachers from more pain in the payslip,” said Branch Executive Secretary Patrick Mulamba.
Branch chairperson Justine Majale lauded the mutual working relationship between the Union and the County Government of Busia and called upon Governor Otuoma to consider their members for appointment in his government.
“The branch is very supportive of the County Government in its implementation of development agenda,” he added.
During the event Mrs Marlin Apwoyo was elected the Branch Executive Council Member and Woman Representative for Samia after the sit fell vacant when the previous holder Ms Wilbroda Wanyama resigned for greener pastures.
