Mudavadi assures teachers of govt's commitment to boost education standards

Mudavadi made the remarks when he met with the leadership of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) from Kakamega North, Malava Constituency.

The delegation of over 70 teachers’ representatives met the Prime Cabinet Secretary at his offices in Nairobi.

This, he said, is an inaugural meeting aimed at assessing and improving the welfare of teachers and uplifting the education standards in Western Kenya.

“We will be holding routine dialogue and exchange of views sessions with education stakeholders moving forward. It is going to be strategic, focused, symbolic and significant,” said Mudavadi.

“We are aiming at improving the welfare of teachers and the quality of learning for our children," he added.

Mudavadi emphasized the government’s commitment to partnering with educators in transforming learning environments and improving the welfare of communities, not only in Malava but throughout Western Kenya, as part of building a stronger, more inclusive national future.

He reaffirmed the vital role teachers play as guardians of knowledge, ethics, and societal progress saying the candid and insightful exchange of ideas should remain progressive.

“This should be reflected at the grassroots level when you go back home. You are setting an agenda for the rest of the teachers in the Western region and for Kenya.”

Led by Kakamega North KNUT Chairperson Simon Sindani, KESHA Vice Chairperson Dan Masitsa, and KNUT Treasurer Emily Mito, the delegation presented a comprehensive memorandum highlighting key areas where national government support is needed to strengthen the education sector in Malava.

Among the priority issues raised were infrastructural upgrades for several institutions, including the newly elevated Shamberere National Polytechnic which requires a new tuition block, Manyonje Secondary School, where a laboratory is needed, Matioli Secondary School needs an administration block, Tande Secondary School is in need of more modern classrooms; and a complete facelift for Matsakha Secondary School.

Additional needs included more classrooms at Chevoso, Ingavira, Lurale, and Shivikhwa Comprehensive Schools, an ICT Centre at Lunyu Comprehensive School, and an administration block at Muriola Comprehensive School among other requests that the team put forward.

“Our retired teachers who have exited service on retirement need to live with dignity. It is our considered request that their pension be paid on time. We are also presenting a request for the establishment of more institutions of higher learning in Malava,” read part of the Memorandum.

“We teachers are opinion shapers within communities. Societies largely rely on us for moral direction. We also largely contribute on the agenda for development. This is a starting point for our collaboration with the national government through your office,” said Sindani while presenting the Memorandum.

“We are ready to rally behind you as our Joseph in the bible. He saw his brothers and knew them. You have seen us and you know us. We want to build a strong bond of collaboration as teachers with your office and the government, because we know what we are benefiting from President Ruto’s leadership,” added Masitsa, the KESSHA Vice Chairperson. 

Mudavadi said teachers, as custodians of consciousness, morality and aspirations within societies, play a crucial role in shaping destinies, among them a leadership that is forthright, trustworthy and respected.

The Prime CS challenged the team to take time and reflect on the forthcoming by-election in Malava, saying it is an opportunity for them as opinion shapers to give direction to the people of Malava on which leader the constituency deserves.

He said the late MP, Malulu Injendi had set high standards as a unifying leader who continuously supported initiatives that were geared towards improving the lives of his constituents and further bringing Kenyans together.

“Malulu was a man of honour. He has set standards and his leadership was solid. When he meant yes, that remained his stand; if he said I will support a certain course, he never changed. The people of Malava you now need to ask yourselves, whom do you want to fit in the shoes of the late Malulu?” posed Mudavadi.

“As the Vice Chairman of the Education Committee in the National Assembly where he served last Malulu helped in the formulation of some of the policies the education sector is enjoying now. Malulu’s efforts and proactiveness largely helped in shaping the education sector. Now, as teachers, since Malulu was also a teacher, it is your duty to give direction because the people believe in you,” Mudavadi explained. 

With the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) likely to tap the Prime Cabinet Secretary and former ANC Party leader to spearhead its campaign in the Malava by-election, the Prime CS told the teachers to help in preaching the message of peace during the campaign period.

“We want a leadership that will deliver solid results to the people of Malava and have a far-reaching impact to every child, son and daughter of Malava. Ultimately, the leader you will choose is a son or daughter of Malava. You will own your leader since nobody will have imposed the leader on you,” noted Mudavadi.

“It is no longer a joke when it comes to choosing leaders. The question should remain, what leadership does Malava deserve?” posed the Prime CS.

Mudavadi challenged the teachers’ representatives and the people of Malava and the Western region that the longer they stay on the wrong train, the more expensive it will be to get home.

He has urged them to rally behind the Kenyan Kwanza government and support President Ruto’s agenda now and in the future emphasizing on the greater significance of the voice of teachers.

“We need to engage intellectually and with sobriety for us to have a good leader. The leader you elect will not only be a leader for Malava but a leader for the larger Western Kenya region, the community of Kakamega County and a legislator for Kenyans," he indicated.

"So, let us go beyond the traditions of clannism and put in place a visionary leader whose qualities and character goes beyond reproach." 

“Until you elect a new Member of Parliament, I stand as your Patron in Malava. We must move forward together, build on the strong foundation,” he reminded the people of Malava through the teachers’ representatives.

Last week, Mudavadi, while meeting elders from Malava, announced plans to convene broader stakeholder engagements, including youth, women, scholars, farmers, business leaders, and religious groups, affirming his belief that inclusive dialogue is key to building a shared vision for Malava’s future.