The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has expressed reservations about the nomination of Julius Migos Ogamba as the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Education ministry, arguing that the sector requires an individual with a strong educational background.
According to Knut’s second national vice chairman, Agrrey Namisi, Migos, who is a lawyer by profession, may not possess the necessary expertise to effectively lead the ministry, which is currently facing numerous challenges.
“We have no problem with the nominee as a person, but we feel the education sector needed someone with a clear background in the sector who would not need orientation,” Namisi said during an AGM for the Knut Chepkoilel branch in Eldoret.
Namisi, who was accompanied by branch officials led by executive secretary Sammy Bor, emphasized that the education sector requires a CS who can quickly adapt and drive the required transformation, particularly with the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) being at a critical stage.
“The sector needs a CS who has the necessary know-how of the education landscape,” Namisi argued, adding that with the current administration being halfway through its term, a CS who is not an educationist may take time to settle into the role, leaving limited time for meaningful progress.
However, the Knut officials praised the government’s commitment to employing intern teachers on permanent terms, a move that has been welcomed by the union.