Gathungu hails teachers Kimani & Njau for winning top KNUT posts

By Newsflash Writer

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau has congratulated two teachers from the ward following their election to top leadership positions in the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Nyandarua North branch, describing their victory as a major boost for the education sector in the region.

The elections, held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, saw teacher Amos Kimani from Ndaragwa Primary School elected as the branch chairperson, while Charles Njau, a teacher at Kimaru Primary School in Mairo Inya town, secured the position of Executive Secretary.

Kamau, who represents Leshau Pondo ward and is eyeing the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat in 2027 on a ticket of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), hailed the outcome, noting that the two leaders had demonstrated commitment to advancing teachers’ welfare and improving education standards.

“Let’s all wish them well and God’s guidance as they steer the leadership of the institution and champion the rights of teachers,” said Kamau, who has consistently positioned himself as a strong advocate for education development in the ward.

New leadership takes shape

The KNUT Nyandarua North branch elections attracted significant attention from the local education fraternity, with teachers expressing optimism that the new leadership would address long-standing challenges facing educators.

Kimani, who hails from Muthiga village in Leshau-Pondo ward, assumes office with a promise of transformative leadership under the theme “Champion of Change.” His counterpart Njau, from Shauri village in the same ward, pledged to work closely with members to strengthen the union’s operations.

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau(left) chats with Mzee Maina D.O, a veteran educationist, in one of his grassroot development tours in the wars. Photo/Gathungu Kamau

Mr Michael Chege MC, a former Executive Secretary, was the chief strategist for both Mr Kimani and Mr Njau.

In his acceptance speech, Kimani expressed gratitude to teachers, union officials and election authorities for ensuring a credible democratic process.

“The moment of silence you have just observed is a moment of gratitude — gratitude to the Almighty God and gratitude to you,” he said, while acknowledging the presence of union leaders, election officials and teachers who participated in the process.

He also thanked his family and campaign agents for their support, noting that the victory belonged to all teachers who entrusted him with the leadership mandate.

Call for unity among teachers

Kimani extended an olive branch to his competitors, urging them to work together for the benefit of the union and its members.

“To my fellow candidates, putting yourself forward to lead is not easy, and every one of you contributed ideas that have made our union dialogue richer,” he said.

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau(left) chats with a senior citizen in one of his grassroot development tours in the ward. Photo/Gathungu Kamau

He encouraged those who lost in the elections to remain actively involved in union affairs, stressing that their contributions remained vital in shaping the future of the branch.

“The problems facing our teachers are too large for any one person to solve alone; they require all hands on deck,” he added, calling for unity and collaboration in addressing teachers’ concerns.

Kimani further emphasized that his leadership would focus on fostering inclusivity and ending divisions within the teaching profession.

“For too long, our profession has been plagued by divisions. Today, I declare that era over. We will end divisive leadership and promote peace and respect for all teachers,” he said.

Key reform agenda

The new branch chairperson outlined a three-pillar agenda aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the union’s operations.

He pledged prudent financial management to ensure accountability in the use of union resources, promising that members’ contributions would be directed towards improving teacher welfare.

“We will control wastage for better teacher service. Every shilling paid in subscription fees must translate directly into quality services for you,” Kimani stated.

He also committed to enhancing the effectiveness of the Branch Executive Committee (BEC), saying stronger internal structures would help the union better defend teachers’ rights and address their needs at the grassroots level.

“Our Branch Executive Committee must be functional, vibrant and effective. A strong BEC means a strong branch,” he said.

Commitment to education

Beyond advancing teachers’ interests, Kimani emphasized the union’s responsibility to learners, acknowledging that the election period may have disrupted classroom activities.

“We must be honest with ourselves. In the heat of campaigns, valuable time may have been lost in the classroom,” he said, promising renewed dedication to academic excellence.

He urged teachers to return to their schools with fresh energy and commitment, calling for collective efforts to recover lost learning time and improve educational outcomes.

“A strong union fights for the teacher, but a noble union also champions the future of the child,” he added.

Kimani concluded by urging teachers to unite in pursuing the union’s goals, noting that the new leadership would focus on collective progress and service delivery.

“This victory is not about me; it is about us. The work begins tomorrow. With unity of purpose, we will be the champions that our teachers need,” he said.

The election of Kimani and Njau is expected to shape the direction of KNUT activities in Nyandarua North, with stakeholders expressing hope that their leadership will strengthen advocacy for teachers’ rights while promoting quality education across the region.