KNUT Makueni Secretary Benson Ndambuki Warns TSC Against ‘Sleeping’ on President’s Promises to Teachers

By Andrew Mbuva.

Freshly re-elected Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Makueni Branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki has issued a strong warning to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), urging it to urgently implement commitments made by President William Ruto to teachers during their recent visit to State House.

Speaking on Friday, January 10, after KNUT Makueni successfully conducted the union’s national elections, Ndambuki noted that the branch had gone on record as the first in the country to hold the polls. In a rare show of confidence, all incumbent officials were returned unopposed, a move he said clearly reflected teachers’ satisfaction with their leadership.

“This is a clear statement from teachers of Makueni that they are satisfied with the services they have continued to receive,” Ndambuki said, thanking educators for the renewed mandate and trust bestowed upon him.

Ndambuki, who will now serve another term as Branch Executive Secretary, said his priority is to defend and advance the welfare of teachers, warning that patience is wearing thin over unfulfilled presidential pledges.

He recalled that during the State House meeting, President Ruto made what he described as “serious and clear promises” to teachers across the country, promises that must now move from words to action.

Top on the list is the employment of teachers on affirmative action, particularly those aged 45 years and above. Ndambuki said the President promised unconditional employment for this category, yet implementation remains unclear.

“We are there to see that this is implemented by the Teachers Service Commission. We don’t know whether TSC is sleeping on the President’s promise to teachers,” he said.

The second key issue is the reduction of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cycle. Ndambuki described the current four-year CBA cycle as “a thorn in the flesh” for teachers, noting that the President had committed to reducing it to two years.

“As we begin a new mandate, we want to witness this promise being implemented. TSC should not ignore commitments made by the Head of State,” he added.

Ndambuki also raised alarm over the state of healthcare services under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying teachers continue to suffer in public hospitals despite government assurances.

“We are yet to see and enjoy these services. Teachers are going to hospitals and finding no drugs. This is shocking and painful,” he said, recounting incidents where teachers allegedly lost their lives due to lack of medication in local health facilities.

He called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to urgently address the situation, stressing that health matters are non-negotiable.

“Where are the drugs? Where is the medication? Teachers are suffering, and we have witnessed deaths of our colleagues. This matter must be addressed forthwith,” Ndambuki said.

As the voice of teachers in Makueni, Ndambuki warned that KNUT will closely monitor the implementation of all promises made by the President, insisting that teachers expect action, not excuses.

“Promises were made at State House. We want them tracked, implemented, and felt by the Kenyan teacher,” he said.