KNUT rejects Ogamba's Education CS nomination, demands educationist for the role

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has opposed the nomination of Julius Migos Ogamba as the new Education Cabinet Secretary.

The union argues that the position requires an individual with substantial experience in the education sector, particularly to manage the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

President William Ruto nominated Ogamba on July 19, 2024, following the dismissal of former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu amid widespread protests against the government.

Despite Ogamba's extensive legal background, with nearly 30 years of practice and membership in the Kenya Law Society, KNUT maintains that his expertise does not align with the needs of the education sector.

Second national vice chairman Agrrey Namisi said the sector needs a CS who would quickly fit and drive the required transformation.

“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.

He spoke in Eldoret on Saturday where he attended an Annual General Meeting for the KNUT Chepkoilel branch.

Critical stage

He emphasised that the implementation of the CBC is at a critical stage, necessitating a CS with sector-specific knowledge.

He noted that with only two years left in the Kenya Kwanza administration's term, a CS lacking an educational background would require time to adjust, potentially delaying crucial reforms.

Ogamba holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

In 2022, Ogamba and Machogu ran unsuccessfully for the Kisii gubernatorial race on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket, with Ogamba serving as Machogu's running mate. However, the two lost to ODM's Simba Arati.

Last year in March 2023, he was appointed the new chairman of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) Board, a capacity he is still serving.

He succeeded former Chief of Defence Forces of the Kenya Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe in the role.

Ogamba's nomination will now proceed to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.