Kenya National Union of Teachers through Secretary General Wilson Session on Thursday announced that it has joined the Central Organization of Trade Union, a large formidable workers union led by a vocal Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
This new founded unity between these unions led by fearless and articulate leaders is a good riddance to teachers who have been on constant strike in attempt to push for reforms to improve their working environment and pay raise.
Their efforts have often been defeated and most of the dealings and agreements they have signed with the government have been disowned by the employer leaving them helpless, frustrated and with no other decision other than going back to class.
Often Session has been left battling it out alone, take on every opposing force that comes along the teacher's way attempting to oppress them.
Now that KNUT has joined COTU, the force will be stronger, more lethal and vocal than ever before. The two unions have the largest membership drawn from across the country and are led by unrelenting, gallant and bold leaders who command huge following from within and without their unions.
The Ministry of Labour and government at large should prepare for tough tussle from these leaders in the push and quest for reforms and better working environment for workers.
If Session will manage to rally his new ally, Francis Atwoli along the trajectory of pushing for better pay for teachers, employment of more tutors and implementation of the contentious Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), teachers will in the long run have something to smile about.
This is the unity that teachers needed most and has come at the right time, COTU now larger and stronger, Knut on the other hand will be more vocal and aggressive in its advancements than ever before.