KNUT Machakos Branch Aspirants Decry Short Campaign Window Ahead of Saturday Polls

By Virginia Siebella 

Contestants in the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Machakos Branch elections scheduled for this Saturday have raised concerns over what they describe as an unfairly short campaign period, warning that it could undermine the credibility of the exercise.

The aspirants say they were only notified last week that official campaigns would commence on Monday, leaving them with barely five days to canvass support across the vast Machakos region. The branch covers Kathiani, Athi River, Machakos Town and Kalama sub-counties, an area they argue is too expansive to be effectively reached within such a limited timeframe.

Assistant Executive Secretary aspirant Rachael Mwikali faulted the union’s communication, saying the abrupt notice has placed a heavy financial burden on candidates. She noted that reaching dozens of schools scattered across the county within a few days requires significant resources, disadvantaging aspirants with limited means.

Vice Chairmanship contender Fredrick Mbithi accused union administrators of deliberately marginalising classroom teachers, arguing that leadership positions have for long been dominated by individuals detached from day-to-day teaching realities. He maintained that the elections should provide an opportunity for practising teachers to take charge of the union’s affairs.

Meanwhile, Women Representative aspirant Pauline Joel questioned the eligibility of some of her competitors, alleging that they are teachers from neighbouring Makueni County and therefore do not qualify to contest positions in the Machakos branch.

Despite the complaints, the elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with union members increasingly vocal about the need for stronger representation, transparency and accountability from their leaders. As voting day approaches, teachers are calling on KNUT officials to address the concerns raised to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.