KNUT, KUPPET warn of protests over Raila’s education devolution push
By William Muthama, August 19, 2025Teachers’ unions have warned of mass action if Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga’s push to devolve education is implemented, arguing the move would destabilise the sector.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) said on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, that transferring education functions to counties would expose schools to political interference and worsen inequalities.
Speaking in Nairobi, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said teachers are united against the proposal. “We will not allow our classrooms to be controlled from county offices. Education must remain a national function to ensure equity across Kenya,” Oyuu stated.
His KUPPET counterpart, Akello Misori, warned that devolving education would complicate teacher management and salaries.
“How will we operate if counties start paying differently or influencing appointments? Teachers cannot work under such uncertainty,” Misori said, adding that the unions would call for street demonstrations if the government moved forward with Raila’s idea.
Raila’s position defended
Raila has in recent weeks argued that devolving education would improve service delivery and give counties more responsibility in addressing local challenges.
He maintains that governors are better placed to manage resources and respond to unique needs within their regions.
However, union leaders dismissed this claim, warning it would open the sector to politicisation.
“We know the intentions are being sold as empowerment, but behind it lies political control. We reject it in totality,” Oyuu added.
Govt told to come clear
The unions have now asked President William Ruto’s administration to make its position clear on Raila’s push. Misori insisted that teachers would not hesitate to mobilise nationwide protests if the proposal gains traction.
“Let it be known that teachers will occupy the streets to protect education. We shall not sit back as our sector is dragged into political experiments,” he said.
Analysts have noted that the education devolution debate could become a flashpoint in the wider political contest between Ruto and Raila ahead of the 2027 elections. For teachers, however, the concern remains about stability in classrooms.
“We are here for the children, not politics,” Oyuu concluded.