KNUT MR. WILSON SOSSION - SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE KENYA NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS PRESENTED BY:

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1 KNUT THE REPORT OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE KENYA NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS PRESENTED BY: MR. WILSON SOSSION - SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE 57TH ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE AT MOI INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, KASARANI ON DECEMBER 9, 2014

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3 CONCLUSION: On behalf of the NEC, I now take this opportunity to wish all the delegates assembled here, the entire teaching fraternity, our families, friends and relatives a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year I wish to appeal to all KNUT leaders and all our members to embrace unity and to work together for the benefit of our children's education. As you travel back to your respective homes to join your families during this festive season, I wish you God's blessings and journey mercies as you prepare to face new challenges in the new year. LONG LIVE THE TEACHING FRATERNITY. LONG LIVE KNUT, THANK YOU ALL NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) REPORT : PREAMBLE: The 2014 National Executive Council (NEC) Report is covering all union and teachers' activities from the branches to the national level. It also highlights the union's engagement with the government, other education stakeholders, international community over the year and outlines the projections into the year This year has also been an eventful one with the union engaging the government in a number of meetings about the terms and condition of Service for teachers and the employment of Early Childhood Development teachers. This year's world campaigning theme has been UNITE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION with the clarion call of 3Qs Quality Education, Quality Teachers and Quality Learning Environment. This has now been escalated into INVEST IN THE TEACHER, INVEST IN THE FUTURE. This is a platform on which we are anchoring our campaign of the 3Qs. Government investment in teachers to guarantee quality education is paramount. 1.0 NATIONAL SECRETARIAT The union witnessed the swearing in of the new National Chairman, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General and three NEC members from Nyanza and Nairobi regions respectively by the NEC following the by-election held on December 9, On December 31, 2014, the Assistant National Treasurer, Brother Richard Kibagendi shall retire after attaining the compulsory retirement age for all th union employees and a by-election shall be held during this years' 57 ADC to fill that position.

4 2.0 PROFESSIONAL MATTERS 2.1 Promotion of Teachers The TSC is known to stagnate teachers in one Job Group for sometimes up to 15 years or more. In the past KNUT pressed for affirmative action and all those who had overstayed were promoted. Now over 53,000 teachers have been stagnated particularly in P1, L and M grades. Interviews or lack off has been used as an excuse to keep these teachers in such job groups indefinitely. The NEC proposes automatic promotion of all common cadre grades from 'P1' to Job group 'L' Early this year, we demanded for immediate promotion of these teachers and we were challenged to give names and documentary proof of existence of such a large number of teachers meriting promotion and not promoted. The NEC commends the Branch Executive Committees (BECs) through the Executive Secretaries who sent out word, gathered the required information which we used to press for the promotion of those teachers after forming a committee together with the TSC to go through the lists as presented by the KNUT. and Mandera in particular, it may seem teachers are unfairly and unproportionally targeted. In ball instances, we have lost several teachers, schools closed down and learning interrupted. Where schools close down, then we expect prisons to open up, so it is incumbent on the government to provide adequate security for all but more so to protect the moulding of the future through the children in schools. In some of these areas, a new levy is evolving whereby parents are charged Ksh.100/= per child for the home guards to escort and protect both the children and teachers as the teaching and learning process goes on. The N.E.C therefore proposes the following: 1. The above teachers and others dying in similar circumstances be paid full compensation like the government pays any of its officers dying in the course of executing their duties; 2. Government takes a deliberate, decisive action to provide security for learners and teachers in the schools within those areas. We have further demanded the streamlining of these interviews beginning with the constitution of the interview panel and it should clearly state the maximum year one may stay in one job group to avoid stagnation. Further, job group 'M' should be a common cadre grade. The NEC reports that, whereas majority of 'P1' 'A' level cases have been promoted, there are still a few remaining cases that have not been promoted and the TSC should promote all of them without discrimination. 2.2 Kenya National Examination Council (K.N.E.C) On the onset, the NEC congratulates the newly appointed Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and wish him well. The KNUT shall always support KNEC

5 International Dialogue on population and sustainable development meeting in Berlin, Germany. From June 24 to July 1, 2014 Peter Rotich visited Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania to assist the Tanzania Teachers Union (TTU) to install ICT membership programme. From October 16 to 18, 2014, Lucy Barimbui attended EI Migration meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. 8.7 United Nations Science, Education and Culture (UNESCO) The Union has held several partnership meetings to discuss factors affecting the quality of education with specific discussions on Early Childhood Education and the education agenda in the post During the year, we supported Education International's effort to have education as a stand alone goal in the post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. We are happy it is listed as goal number 4. We propose to intensify this campaign until it is adopted in the next UN General Assembly. 8.8 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) KNUT partnered with USAID and Research Triangle Institute in monitoring the implementation of Primary Reading and Arithmetic (PRIMA) project being implemented in 1300 primary schools in the republic in the following counties:- Bungoma, Kisumu, Kiambu, Machakos, Nairobi and Nakuru. The Union has since compiled a report on the program and will be shared with stakeholders especially on the possible impact of having enough text books for early grade reading and arithmetic. We propose further collaboration with USAID. 9.0 SECURITY The country over the years has had a challenge to the security of its citizens, teachers included. However, in some instances like in Mpeketoni, Kapedo when it does right and we hope he totally eliminates cases of exam cheating. th As reported during the last 56 Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) in Nakuru, Kenya National Examination Council effected the waiving of taxation on payments to our examiners for amount below Ksh.133, They also improved the rates payable to contracted professionals; however we are still demanding that they do consider centre organizers who play a critical role during the period of examination. We do commend the Kenya government for taking up the responsibility of paying the examination fees for our learners. We recommend that KCSE results be released in time so that the candidates can utilize their result slips to access colleges for further studies without undue delays. The Ministry of Education should beef up ESQAC to full directorate so that it can effectively discharge its mandate of maintaining quality of teaching and learning standards in schools. Mean score is just one of the parameters to measure quality of learning; the KNEC should use formative assessment to incorporate all other parameters. The reports should be released periodically; say quarterly to the County Education Boards. These reports should be discussed by the stakeholders and provide a forum for improvement of learning outcomes in the counties. The Education Act provides for basic education as a right to every child without exception i.e upto form four. The Ministry of Education should provide sufficient schools to ensure all class 8 students gain admission to Form 1 and complete Form 4 without exception. The transition rate in an ideal situation should be 100% but in any case not less that 95% if we have to achieve equity in this country. The N.E.C demands: i) Payment of examiners immediately after marking; ii) Improved accommodation of examiners; iii) Payment centre organizers.

6 iv) Ranking of schools should not be discarded in national examinations. 2.3 Agency Fees It should be noted that this law has been in existence all along but government has been dithering on its applicability whenever K.N.U.T has had a C.B.A. and wanted to apply it. Agency is by usage and traditions, worldwide, applicable on basic salary only. Arising from last year's strike, we secured harmonized Commuter Allowance in two phases even after being jailed. Competitors signed a three phase deal. Even if government was to disregard basic salary as used for agency fee, it should then have given to it K.N.U.T. These deductions were obviously meant to benefit the rival union, and that is why the K.N.U.T Steering Committee moved to court to question the legality of this action. A temporary order was obtained to ensure the deductions go to a suspense account at TSC. Meanwhile teachers will continue to be deducted agency fees until the matter is heard and determined. The Union also went ahead to ensure the immediate reversal of the deduction of agency fees of 1,828 cases of K.N.U.T members who had been affected by the action. The K.N.U.T knows we have great friends in government but also potent enemies. This being a court issue, we leave it at that only reiterating our position in court that it is not right to grant agency fee under the current circumstances for a non-existent CBA. 2.4 School Financing School financing is a critical element in the attainment of Education For All, therefore achieving social equity in this country. However, wastage which is a cancer in all government departments, must be looked into. The accounting officers in our schools, the heads, should demonstrate the From July 9 to 11, 2014, Albanus Mutisya and Wycliffe Omucheyi attended Nigeria National Teachers Union Congress in Abuja, Nigeria. From October 2 to 5, 2014, Charles Katege Ochieng attended the South Africa Congress in Johannesburg. From September 28 to October 5, 2014 Ekirapa Okwara attended Education For All and Elimination of Child Labour Training in Turin, Italy. From September 15 to 18, 2014, Mudzo Nzili attended Teacher Appraisal Programme in London, United Kingdom. From May 25 to 31, 2014, Mudzo Nzili and Wilson Sossion attended EI Unite for Quality Education Conference in Montreal, Canada From October 22 to October 25, 2014 Wilson Sossion and Albanus Mutisya attended EI Unite for Quality Education Conference at Sidlines of UN General Assembly in New York, USA: From October 13 to 21, 2014, Samson Kaguma and Benter Opande attended AFT training on school campaigns/advocacy in Washington DC, USA. From November 6 to 8, 2014 to Dorothy Muthoni and Lucy N. Barimbui attended EI Gender survey workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa From November 16 to November 21, 2014, Dorothy Muthoni, Hesbon Otieno, Jacinta Ndegwa, and Lucy N. Barimbui attended WNEA meeting in Arusha, Tanzania. From May 5 to 10, 2014 Mudzo Nzili, Wilson Sossion, Albanus Mutisya and Idris Ibrahim attended FEATU planning meeting and regional workshop in Kampala, Uganda. th From November 4 to November 6, 2014 Wilson Sossion attended 12

7 8.5 National Union of Teachers (N.U.T.), United Kingdom. National Union of Teachers in the United Kingdom has now reactivated our relationship link like many other national and international partners. We thank them for showing confidence in the KNUT once more. The KNUT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NUT (Britain) to train Branch Executive Secretaries. The NUT has already committed.9,436 to this project. By early next year, we shall engage on a partnership basis. Capacity building of our leadership is key to professionalization of the KNUT and bringing it at par if not better than many world unions as per our Vision To become the most effective and self reliant teacher union in the world. The N.E.C proposes the adoption of this partnership to train the Executive Secretaries and strengthen the gender agenda. EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL (EI) ACTIVITIES/OTHER INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: The E.I Africa Region Conference was scheduled for September 2014 to be hosted by all education teacher unions in Kenya. This was however postponed due to the outbreak of Ebola in many West African countries which are members of Education International. The conference has since nd th been rescheduled to take place from 2 to 6 February, 2015 and KNUT will be spearheading the process of hosting the conference. During the year 2014, the KNUT national secretariat engaged in the following international activities:- From April 7 to 9, 2014, Dorothy Muthoni, Jacinta Ndegwa and Lucy N. nd Barimbui attended the 2 EI World Women's Conference in Dublin, Ireland. th From April 27 to 29, 2014, Hesbon Agola Otieno attended the 10 Annual Research Network meeting in Brussels, Belgium. highest standards of accountability in this era of social auditing. Government should also strengthen the audit section of the ministry to assure Kenyans that there is no wastage. Whereas the N.E.C appreciates the upping of the capitation grants, we further demand that all costs of education including feeding should be borne by government in primary and day secondary schools by The NEC proposes that the Government should continue reviewing upwards the capitation per child from ECD up to secondary level. 2.5 Basic Education Regulations 2014 The M.O.E.S.T came up with Basic Education Regulations 2014 to operationalize the Education Act Some suggestions therein were an affront to the independence of the TSC and by extension the teacher. The K.N.U.T identified several contentious issues amongst them the appointment of headteachers and principals which even attempted to sneak in contractual terms for these heads and principals thus trying to redefine who a principal and a headteacher is, against the existing regulation. Some proposals were transferring the Agency from TSC to M.O.E.S.T and even giving counties authority to employ teachers through B.O.Ms. These, in our view, are the TSC's roles and should be left that way. The K.N.U.T shall not allow the alteration of terms of service without due and adequate consultation. We propose to reject anything that in the teachers view is detrimental to the professional and career growth of the teacher and negatively affects the managements of education. We uphold the constitutional independence of the TSC. 2.6 Fourth Scheme of Service for Teachers In 1997, teachers secured three schemes of service that are in operation albeit with few modification that is, non graduate, graduate and technical teachers schemes of service. Over time, its been realized that teachers graduating with Masters and above are not adequately recognized and appropriately remunerated like their counter parts elsewhere, particularly

8 in the universities. To encourage professional growth, skills development and retention of quality teachers, the K.N.U.T demands for a scheme of service for post graduate teachers and the N.E.C herby proposes: a) Removal of ATS IV grade. b) The expansion of teacher job groups to 'S'/'T' c) Formulation of post graduate scheme of service as an entry for those with such qualifications and retention of the best teachers in teaching service. 2.7 Employment of Teachers UNESCO standards outline acceptable class sizes as between learners. But in Kenya, we have unwidely class sizes of up to 100. These has led to able parents withdrawing their children from public schools to private schools because quality is seriously compromised, hence the mushrooming of private schools. We recommended to the government to employ 40,000 teachers this year and 20,000 in subsequent years to close up the gap. It has not done so. If this serious shortage of teachers is allowed to go on, we as a country are creating a class society and feeding a time bomb whose consequences all of us will live to regret. The N.E.C therefore proposes that the Government adopts our recommendations for a one off recruitment of 40,000 teachers in the next financial year and 20,000 annually in the subsequent years and further:- a) Postings be done 30 days after interviews. b) First salary be paid at the end of the first month of employment. c) Replacement of those exiting TSC employment be done monthly. 2.8 Employment of E.C.D.E Teachers community level. As the East African region moves towards political federation in which we envisage free movement of labour, goods and learners, we the teachers of the East African Region should be ahead in such integration so as to be able to critic and advice on regional educational integration. Moreover, the FEATU desk is equally actively bringing up the level of women participation in Union leadership. 8.3 Danish Union of Teachers (D.L.F) We wish to report that not much activities took place between us and the Danish Union of Teachers for the last two years. However, like nearly all our development partners both locally and internationally, our relationship has been reactivated. We have an MOU with DLF to train branch Treasurers and branch accountants from early next year. Already 500 (Euros) is committed by DLF towards this and the KNUT shall finance the balance. 8.4 American Federation of Teachers (A.F.T) American Federation of Teachers (A.F.T) invited two officers to Maryland, USA to attend a one week course on Essential Skills 1, of organizing membership. The two officers learnt how to mobilize members into joining the Union in order to demonstrate and exert power resulting in the building of a strong union. Although impressed with our ability to recruit new members, AFT raised concerns on strategies of sustaining the members in the Union. From these deliberations, AFT confirmed their willingness to assist in the development of a School Representative training manual and the N.E.C hereby proposes the adoption of the same. The K.N.U.T's position which again has been stated in court, is that

9 However, to date no action has been taken on the report. In the report, the Government is supposed to increase the capitation of free education. The Government had tried to use this task force to sneak in performance contracting, increase class sizes etc, but we were able to thwart such moves. The NEC recommends that the Government fully bears the cost of education by INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL PROGRAMMES 8.1 International Labour Organization (ILO) The K.N.U.T was invited to an International Labour Organization (ILO) training workshop in Turin, Italy on Achieving Education For All and Elimination of Child Labour. As teachers, we should be committed to both giving access to all children and eliminating all forms of child labour. Arising from that training and in conjunction with other stakeholders, the K.N.U.T shall engage the teacher, parent and child in campaigning for the achievement of the above countrywide next year and beyond. It is therefore the N.E.C's proposal that this partnership in which we had been clearly edged out in the past, be strengthened. 8.2 Federation of East African Teachers' Unions (F.E.A.T.U) We attended the Federation of East African Teachers Unions (FEATU) planning meeting and regional workshop held in Kampala, Uganda from May 5 to 10, Tanzania Teachers Union (TTU) handed over the Chair of the Federation to UNATU Uganda National Teachers Union. The meeting had representatives from KNUT, TTU, UNATU, ZATU, STEB, SYNEDU and SNER. employment of all teachers is the mandate of the TSC alone. All along, we have continuously petitioned Government to employ those teachers even before the new constitution was promulgated. We are happy the TSC has developed the E.C.D scheme of service and once the court case shall be over, we propose that the TSC proceeds without any delay to prepare to employ ECD teachers. 2.9 Devolution of Education It should be recalled during the making of the new constitution, the KNUT campaigned massively for the retention of the TSC as constitutional commission. Teachers were and are still completely united in maintaining education as a function of the National Government. This is a pillar of the country's unity, equity and collective pride. However, we have started hearing voices talking of devolution of the infrastructure in education. Devolving education in any aspect shall be resisted by the KNUT New Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) It should be noted that the last time teachers secured a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement was in 1997 (17 years ago). Since then teachers' energies have been focused/directed towards implementation of the same with varied success. Government has procrastinated continuously when it comes to awarding teachers even a shilling but does so with alacrity to all its other employees with an argument of numbers. We only begun serious negotiations for a CBA after we threatened to go on strike, therefore the old adage holds true all governments are the same when it comes to teachers and we must continuously angle for our space. The N.E.C clearly proposes to the delegates that if by January 2015 no tangible benefit is put forward, teachers resort to industrial action. The purpose of the planning meeting was to evaluate progress of FEATU and plan for 2014 activities while the training was intended to contribute to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of FEATU at the East African

10 3.0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 3.1 Annual General Meetings (A.G.Ms) For the first time since 1957, 108 K.N.U.T branches managed to organize for Annual General Meetings (A.G.Ms) in the year 2014 as per our own Constitution. The National Executive Council (NEC) thanks the Branch Executive Committees (BEC.s) for such commitment. It is important to underscore that henceforth, no branch shall skip an A.G.M therefore early preparations are advised. KNUT Nandi North and Mandera Branches were unable to hold their annual general meetings. In these meetings, we outlined Union policies, issues, interacted directly with our members and were able to get direct views of teachers on many issues. The reports captured the national issues and reverberated well with union policies and concerns. The same shall continue next year. The N.E.C proposes that: i) Calendar for such A.G.Ms be set from the Headquarters from next year for ease of planning; ii) The A.G.Ms should be held on weekdays in liaison with the two County Directors of Education, that is the TSC and the Ministry of Education. iii) The A.G.Ms should be funded from branch union dues. External partnering may be on projects but not AGM costs. iv) All Branch Treasurers to present properly audited accounts to the general meetings. 3.2 Regional Administrative Meetings We have organized two routine administrative meetings with our Branch Executive Secretaries in January and August this year. In these meetings, we streamlined branch operations, got data on un-promoted teachers, Board of Management (B.O.M) teachers etc. As mentioned elsewhere in 7.8 KESSHA and KEPSHA The Union has maintained close collaboration with the two teacher organizations thus KESSHA and KEPSHA. The Union participated in the learners government forums organized by the organizations in which close interaction with the pupils and students was established. K.N.U.T attended the KESSHA and KEPSHA regional meetings culminating into the national conferences where the Union took the opportunity to share with the teachers on various issues affecting the profession. We thank the heads of schools and the principals for their commitments and pledge our continued struggle for their welfare. 7.9 Teacher of the Year/Principal of the Year (TOYA/POYA): The TSC must take over this noble programme and reward all teachers who participate at the national level. KEPSHA should also commence the same award system KENYA NATIONAL PARENTS ASSOCIATION We had opportunities to interact with the above body. It is disturbing to note that most of the time the body operates as if a parent is an alien body to teachers. Teachers are parents too. The Association has held one day meetings in which headteachers were compelled to pay exorbitantly. The purported one day trainings on safety had never been approved anywhere, the Ministry of Education feigned ignorance of such meetings and it forced the KNUT to step in to stop the blatant exploitation. We urge them to consult widely and never allow themselves to be a Government mouth piece TASK FORCE ON SCHOOL FEES As reported elsewhere, the Government appointed the above task force.

11 to anything else. Teachers should be allowed to negotiate their own superannuation scheme and we leave it at that since the matter is before the court. 7.6 National Hospital Insurance Fund (N.H.I.F) Overall, we have related well with this organization though we have noted cases in which dependants have had problems. Should the amounts paid be increased, then we demand that N.H.I.F should take care of inpatient in full. There have been attempts to sideline the K.N.U.T in the N.H.I.F Board yet teachers form the single largest group of contributors. As always, what is in, shall be jealously guarded. NHIF has proposed an upward review of NHIF rates. TUC-Kenya does not support the review because it has not been consulted though it is a major stakeholder with more than 700,000 members. TUC-Kenya recommends that the current rates be retained until further consultations are held with TUC-Kenya. The KNUT has spear headed a comprehensive group medical insurance cover with TSC and so the plan by NHIF has been overtaken by events rendering the initiative null and void. 7.7 Unity Talks Emanating from a study carried out by Education International on the impact of Teacher Trade Union splinterism in Africa on the quality of education, the KNUT has been involved in talks with other unions as a way of forging unity amongst the teacher unions. Unity would minimize derailments in talks meant to bring benefits to the teachers. The process is ongoing and once a consensus is reached, we shall keep you informed. We urge KUPPET to join the dialogue of unity and amalgamation in the best interest of teachers. The N.E.C proposes the adoption of continued talks to bring all those in the education sector together. this report, the N.E.C proposes the continuation of the same to strengthen branch administration. 3.3 Computerization of K.N.U.T Branch Offices: The N.E.C appreciates branches that have adopted the modern technology in its daily operations and communications. The K.N.U.T Headquarters is striving to minimize paper work as much as possible in its mode of communication. In this regard, we would like in a special way to applaud the partnership existing between K.N.U.T Kibwezi Branch and the Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Patrick Mweu Musimba; through his partnership, the Branch has: Pioneered the provision of laptops to B.E.C and BBS officials, bought land to venture into commercial agro 3.1 Annual General Meetings (A.G.Ms) For the first time since 1957, 108 K.N.U.T branches managed to organize for Annual General Meetings (A.G.Ms) in the year 2014 as per our own Constitution. The National Executive Council (NEC) thanks the Branch Executive Committees (BEC.s) for such commitment. It is important to underscore that henceforth, no branch shall skip an A.G.M therefore early preparations are advised. KNUT Nandi North and Mandera Branches were unable to hold their annual general meetings. In these meetings, we outlined Union policies, issues, interacted directly with our members and were able to get direct views of teachers on many issues. The reports captured the national issues and reverberated well with union policies and concerns. The same shall continue next year. The N.E.C proposes that: i) Calendar for such A.G.Ms be set from the Headquarters from next year for ease of planning; ii) The A.G.Ms should be held on weekdays in liaison with the two County Directors of Education, that is the TSC and the Ministry of

12 Education. iii) The A.G.Ms should be funded from branch union dues. External partnering may be on projects but not AGM costs. iv) All Branch Treasurers to present properly audited accounts to the general meetings. 3.2 Regional Administrative Meetings We have organized two routine administrative meetings with our Branch Executive Secretaries in January and August this year. In these meetings, we streamlined branch operations, got data on un-promoted teachers, Board of Management (B.O.M) teachers etc. As mentioned elsewhere in this report, the N.E.C proposes the continuation of the same to strengthen branch administration. 3.3 Computerization of K.N.U.T Branch Offices: The N.E.C appreciates branches that have adopted the modern technology in its daily operations and communications. The K.N.U.T Headquarters is striving to minimize paper work as much as possible in its mode of communication. In this regard, we would like in a special way to applaud the partnership existing between K.N.U.T Kibwezi Branch and the Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Patrick Mweu Musimba; through his partnership, the Branch has: Pioneered the provision of laptops to B.E.C and BBS officials, bought land to venture into commercial agro business and proposes telecommunications venture using the KNUT brand name and has provided a total of 3million as bursary for teachers. We also note that the MP has acquired land to build teacher's offices, and generally motivating the B.E.C to be proactive in the ICT world even organizing to take them to Spain to bench mark on the benefits of teacher Unions, teachers and learners in improving efficiency while serving members. mechanisms should have been put in place, involving wider stakeholders to avoid the rich taking advantage and just refusing to pay fees thus beating the aim of helping the poor and complicating school management. 7.4 TUC-KENYA (Formerly PUSETU-KENYA Official launch was held at KICC in April The Cabinet Secretaries for Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Youth/Devolution and Ministry of Education were invited and graced the occasion. COTU blocked TUC-Kenya from participating during the Labour Day celebrations on the same platform fearing that TUC-Kenya would outshine them in May TUC-Kenya is represented in court users committee by KNUT. It has written to the following institutions for nomination to be represented in their boards: N.H.I.F, N.S.S.F, National Labour Board (N.L.B), National Industrial Training Agency (N.I.T.A) and Salaries Remuneration Commission (S.R.C). rd TUC-Kenya held an Extra Ordinary General Assembly at the KICC on 23 October, 2014 with an agenda to amend its constitution and to change its name. Besides, there was need to fill the gaps in appointment of interim officials. The following officials from KNUT were elected: i) General Secretary - Mr. Wilson Sossion ii) Deputy Women Representative - Ms. Dorothy Muthoni st iii) 1 National Trustee - Mr. Albanus Mutisya The delegates approved the amended constitution and change of name to Trade Union Congress of Kenya - TUC-Kenya and the constitution to allow affiliation by any union from either public or private sector without limitations. 7.5 National Social Security Fund (N.S.S.F) Teachers of this country went on strike in 1968 and secured a free pension scheme which is still a prevailing C.B.A. Much as we want enhanced benefits, we shall fight to safeguard what we already have before shifting

13 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with the support of the Presidency that targets jobless university graduates. The main objectives are: 1. National cohesion, 2. Mentorship/supporting struggling primary school pupils, 3. Youth employment (after volunteering). The pilot project is in eight counties of Busia, Garissa, Kilifi, Kisumu, Machakos, Nyeri, Samburu and West Pokot. The programme initially known as Future Leaders Programme has now evolved and now has a new Logo and name that is, G-United, meaning Greatness United. The Union has deliberately gotten involved in the programme to ensure that the volunteers DO NOT engage in active teaching of the pupils. Schools shall only be used as an entry point to communities. After a one year programme, the volunteers shall exit to join the private sector in areas of their expertise. The Union through its research department has developed a tool to independently monitor and evaluate the programme as it progresses and in the month of October, the Executive Secretaries of the piloted eight branches were actively involved in the first Monitoring and Evaluation activity in conjunction with the County Directors of Education and the Technical team from KNUT Headquarters. The N.E.C proposes the adoption and close monitoring of these programmes. We propose that the programme be transferred to the NCIC from the Ministry of Education to achieve full national cohesion. 7.3 RELEASE OF KCSE/KCPE CERTIFICATES The Government unilaterally in total disregard of the environment Heads and principals of schools work in, announced the release of all certificates. Whereas this was a well intended action meant to cushion the poor, its mode of implementation as ordered was poor. One would expect that The N.E.C proposes under Article IV(i) to bestow honorary membership to the MP for Kibwezi West, Hon. Dr. Patrick Mweu Musimba. Further, all branches must fully migrate to ICT, computerize all operations up to and including communication to our members. 3.4 Monitoring and Evaluation Over the years, financial returns to the National Treasurer have been the only mandatory returns to the National Treasurer. There is a big challenge of co-ordinating, monitoring and evaluating service delivery in the branches. Whereas it is clear some of our branches are diligently doing a commendable job, there are others whose level of activity and service delivery is unknown to the NEC. In a few of our branches, some circulars do not reach schools at all. The NEC has developed through the research departments and documentation centre, a tool for monitoring and evaluation that shall be done in both soft and hard copies. This tool exhaustively helps the head office to both motivate and monitor our branches and the Executive Secretary in service delivery. The N.E.C therefore proposes the adoption of monthly returns vide a specific tool as an instrument of branch coordination and monitoring which tool shall provide for periodic visits and supervision to the branches by the secretariat. 3.5 Memoranda of Understanding with Universities In our goal to scale education to higher heights, the Union has purposed to play a proactive role in seeking financial support for teachers pursuing higher education. Consequently, through intensive negotiation and bargaining, the Union has managed to sign memoranda giving the teachers reduced percentages in fees and other payments during their academic endevours in various universities some as high as 16% waiver on fees payment which is extended even to teacher's dependants. We have signed Memoranda of Understanding with Embu University

14 College (constituent of Nairobi University), Embu College hosting Laikipia University, Kenya Methodist University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, JKUAT, Mt. Kenya University and serious negotiations are ongoing with many others. The NEC proposes that such negotiations be done with all universities. 3.6 World Teachers' Day rd This year, World teachers' Day was celebrated on 3 October, 2014 in eight regions and specifically hosted by: 1. Central region KNUT Kirinyaga Branch 2. Coast region KNUT Mombasa Branch 3. Eastern region KNUT Nyambene Branch 4. Nairobi region KNUT Nairobi Branch 5. Nyanza region KNUT Kuria West Branch 6. Rift Valley region KNUT Chepkoilel Branch 7. Western region KNUT Bungoma East Branch 8. North Eastern - KNUT Wajir Branch During the celebrations, emphasis was on the 3Qs of education, thus: quality tools, quality teachers and quality environment. It marked the climax of the campaign on quality of education under the theme Unite for Quality Education. Each region is encouraged to factor the celebration in their annual work plan and select the hosting branch in good time for adequate preparation. 4.0 TEACHERS PROJECTS/WELFARE 4.1 Reserve Fund: The Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) of 2013 approved the effection of the Reserve Fund. The National Executive Council (NEC) has developed the Reserve Fund Rules and Regulations, which you have been given for school representative in every school. The training programme for School Representatives shall run concurrently with the Recruitment programme. 7.0 WORKING RELATIONS WITH OTHER BODIES 7.1 Special Needs Organizations We wish to report that there is a Professional Association of Special Educators Kenya (PASEK) that is registered and working closely with our Union. Their mission is to ensure full professionalization of Special Needs Education (SNE) provision in Kenya in tandem with emerging global trends and national vision This is a professional association and NOT a trade union and they are our members. Kenya Society for Deaf Children (K.S.D.C) is a non-profit making, nongovernmental organization catering for the needs of deaf children in the areas of health, education and general welfare. Our former Secretary General Brother Francis Nganga is the National Chairman of the Society. We participated at their national conference that took place at K.I.C.D th nd from 20 August 22 August We have also fully sponsored a deaf girl by the name Ivini Boke Magoiga who has been admitted to Machakos Teachers' Training College for a two year P1 course. The N.E.C proposes to the delegates: i) The adoption of this partnership; ii) That Government should meet all costs of SNE children up to university without further delay. 7.2 G-United/Future Leaders Programme This is a year long national volunteer programme implemented by the

15 Following the same program and in line with the strategic plan goal No. 7, branches are expected to plan for training of all women teachers in the period It goes to record that coast region has set pace in training of women teachers in their branches. KNUT Kilindini and KNUT Mombasa Branches have trained over 730 teachers on gender, with the Touch a Girl slogan having been coined and adopted in one of the workshops as a flag to show case the challenges of the girl child as future leaders. Nairobi region is commended for liaising with partners to have women teachers trained in Information Communication Technology and we take the opportunity to congratulate the women who participated in the program. We do hope that other regions can borrow from the same. In the coming year , the Gender Desk plans to initiate a project of setting up a facility that would be a stopover home for teachers suffering any form of gender based violence. The N.E.C proposes continued mainstreaming of gender activities for equity and equality in the education sector. 6.6 B.E.C/SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE'S TRAINING The National Executive Council would like to report that Branch Executive Committee trainings have been carried out in only four counties namely: Kericho, Bomet, Uasin Gishu and Mombasa counties. the counties where these trainings have been undertaken, there has resulted tremendous change in regards to understanding of the Union, its structures and programmes. This has led to positive attitude change, minimizing of role conflicts and improvement in membership. All branches are therefore required to plan and budget for these trainings within the financial year. The National office shall provide technical support and materials. The School Representatives training programmes have now become more necessary than before. This is because the KNUT presence in post primary institutions has been greatly enhanced. It is with urgency that the National Executive Council requests the branches to ensure they have at least one discussion and approval. The vision and aspirations of this fund may not be immediately realized but it's a giant step in the right direction for future stability of the KNUT. By November 30, 2014, the total savings is Kshs. 192,983,500/= deposited at the Equity Bank Limited. The NEC proposes the adoption of the Reserve Fund Rules to pave way for investment. 4.2 Medical Scheme for Teachers As reported earlier, this scheme is long overdue as our members have continued to suffer. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) advertised for bidders, shortlisted and the process of awarding the tender is now ended. However, as always, parties interested do attempt to either influence or scuttle the whole process to their advantage. It should be noted by all that the medical allowance teachers are earning was as a result of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) fought for and achieved by teachers in Hence we shall only release it when we are confident that the teacher shall reap maximum benefit from it. Early this year, with the 2013 ADC mandate, together with the TSC, we engaged AON Minet in lengthy discussions, the fruits of which teaches are geared to enjoy a comprehensive superior medical cover from January We signed an award to AON Minet on November 17, 2014 giving it a go ahead to now engage us in the nitty gritty of an agreement. The N.E.C proposes the affirmation of an earlier mandate given to NEC by the ADC to source for and secure a comprehensive medical cover for teachers in consultation with the TSC. 4.3 Teachers Co-operative Societies Teachers have continued to pull resources together for individual and group developments. The Co-operatives over the years have rebranded and opened doors to other people outside the profession in order to benefit from the economics of scale. We appreciate the managements of

16 those co-operatives that have managed to give loans to their members with ease and even posted high dividends, a sign of prudent management. The K.N.U.T at both branch and national level shall not abdicate its oversight role in the interest of its members and shall always intervene where it is deemed necessary to safeguard those interests when they are threatened. The NEC proposes that the teachers' co-operatives and other welfare bodies consolidate and explore the possibilities of forming a teachers' bank. 4.4 Burial and Benevolent Scheme This is a welfare scheme within the K.N.U.T designed to collectively share in the grief of a family losing a member. We applaud those schemes that have gone with the times to provide not just financial support but transport and social support in standing with families of our departed colleagues at their greatest hour of need. Burial and Benevolent Scheme should be managed with a lot of care and decorum. We have had very few complaints over the year about this scheme. The N.E.C proposes that the scheme should hold its mandatory annual general meetings separate from the K.N.U.T's annual general meetings in which its activities, programmes and audited financial reports are tabled for discussion. 4.5 Education Fund/Children's Scheme This is an abridged version of the co-operative also run within the K.N.U.T's Welfare programme. It has served our members well over the years for short term small loans for school fees for themselves and their children. Because of little training in this area, it initially had a lot of upheavals across the country. However, in branches that have managed to run this scheme, their members are now seeing its value and benefit. We urge for continued 6.4 THE KNUT LIBRARY: The union is digitalizing the library to make the library collection more focused to the union's vision and mission. This will ensure a wider accessibility by the members both within the KNUT premises and outside. Broad collection of materials will be on board through subscription to on line journal to benefit teachers seeking further studies. 6.5 Gender Report 2014: The union has continued to mainstream gender activities at all levels of the rd union. Following the recommendations of the 3 Women Caucus, gender training commenced in March with the training of National Women Executive Council which has risen from 5% to 26% after the union adopted an affirmative strategy to bring more women into the leadership. Under the theme, 'On the move to Equality' and the slogan 'touch a Girl for Continued National Development' the union embarked on gender training at the regional level. The trainings brought together all women representatives in each region and over 90% of the regional council leaders were in attendance. The following regions have completed the trainings: Nyanza, Coast and Eastern, making 37.5 % of the trainings. Scheduled for completion before the end of November were, Central, Western and the Rift Valley making a total 75% of the trainings. It's envisaged that the remaining 25% basically from Nairobi and North Eastern will be completed in the first quarter of Based on a situational analysis on gender needs of teachers carried out in Kajiado, Machakos and Nairobi alongside recommendations of all the gender trainings concluded, the gender desk has embarked on a training manual to be used across board in the training programs. All women representatives and branch leaders are expected to familiarize themselves with the content of the manual.

17 6.2 Strategic Plan The drawing o f the road map for the Union activities capturing the period has been finalized through a consultative process from branches to the national office. The plan aims to propelling the Union to higher heights in the next 5 years, in encompassing seven strategic goals. Branches are expected to customize the national strategic plan to their branch strategic plans so that branch activities can move on a common direction as stipulated in the plan. 6.3 Research Activities: In response to the growing need to work from an informed position, the union has established a research department to provide guidelines to evidence based advocacy of the teacher's issues. The department has a standing committee with members drawn from Kenya secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), representatives from National Executive Council and consultants from both public and private universities. Through the department, the union has drawn the K.N.U.T Strategic Plan , carried out a situational analysis on gender in the union and is in the process of completing a national survey on the needs of teachers in relation to delivery of quality education. A position paper on the union's perspective of factors affecting the quality of education has been developed and shared with key stakeholders. In the coming year the department purposes to review the K.N.U.T Education policy that has been in use since This will form the union's blueprint in overseeing government commitment to provision of education as a basic human right in the country. The N.E.C proposes a mandate for continued research activities to give the Union a professional approach in handling teacher's issues. good management of this scheme and the N.E.C encourages all branches to start them. The N.E.C again proposes a separate A.G.M for members to discuss the audited financial statement amongst other items. 4.6 TAX AND TAX RELIEF: Kenyans and teachers in particular are very diligent tax payers. A teacher's salary in comparison to the Kenyan economy is meager. Allowances, including house allowance, that one pays out entirely is taxed both at source and again as the land lord receives it. However, that salary is taxed at the source, a cooperative loan a teacher takes is taxed, transport costs are taxed at the pump, all shopping is taxed at source including medicine. The tax relief of Kshs. 1,162./= is too little to call a relief. Moreover, the taxable income of Kshs. 11,140/= and above is too low and punitive to this low income earners and loopsided in favour of high income earners. The NEC therefore proposes that:- 1. The tax relief be increased to Kshs. 4,000/= and above. 2. The taxable income be increased from Kshs. 11,140/= to Kshs. 30,000/= 3. The allowances, particularly house allowance, medical allowance and commuter allowance be exempted from tax since one pays all of it out and only basic salary be subject to tax 5.0 RECRUITMENTS OF MEMBERS 5.1 Recruitment of Union Members To have the capacity and readiness to identify significant professional and public issues, the Union requires a large and committed membership. This requires that the Union continues with the programme of intensive recruitment of non-members into KNUT.

18 The pie-charts below summarizes the recruitment levels in different regions of the country in terms of percentage as at end of October 2014: development of long terms plans that would result in the Union being felt in ALL the staffrooms in the country. These include: Development of a School Representative Training Manual; Continuous training of Branch Executive Committee members and School Representatives; Keeping and reviewing data on School Representatives in all public schools in the country; Management of Union membership through charting and mapping of both members and non members across the country; Developing tools for proper organization, conversation and feedback from members; and Pursuing possibilities of organizing teachers in the non-informal sectors and private schools. There is need for well crafted campaign and marketing strategy in order to sell the K.N.U.T as a popular brand. The N.E.C recommends the establishment of a fully-fledged desk to carry out the activities of recruitment, campaigns and advocacy for adoption. 6.0 CAPACITY BUILDING 6.1 Capacity Building Institutions The future of an organization is in the quality of the personnel in the organization. The only way to be ahead of the competition is regular capacity building courses on emerging issues to ensure strategy and change management preparedness of the institution to fit in best practices. The capacity building sub-committee has identified areas for capacity building of staff from KNUT head office to the KNUT branches and shall partner with training institutions including universities to train and develop skills for efficient service delivery.