Collins Oyuu, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), has emerged as the Representative for Zone 5 to the Executive Committee of the Education International African Region (EIRAF). This recent development underscores Kenya’s growing influence on the international stage.
Oyuu, the incumbent Secretary General of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), engaged in a head-to-head competition with Filbert Bates Baguma for this prestigious position. This intense competition unfolded on the sidelines of the EIRAF conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, a five-day event that ran from November 19 to November 23, 2023.
Oyuu’s victory in this election signifies a substantial leadership shift within EIRAF as he replaces Yohannes Benti, the former president of the Ethiopian Teachers Association (ETA). Now an esteemed successor, it is Oyuu’s turn to represent the African Region on the global stage of Education International in place of Benti.
Expressing its commitment to reclaiming regional, continental, and global prominence, the Kenya National Union of Teachers initiated collaborative efforts and unity talks with teacher unions worldwide. Congratulating Secretary General Oyuu on his win, the union underscored the significance of this achievement and fervently wished him robust health in his upcoming international role.
The EIRAF, a formidable federation representing over 32 million teachers and education workers globally, recently concluded its 10th conference in South Africa. This assembly explored crucial matters such as the realization of Early Childhood Education for All in Africa, fostering safe and healthy learning environments, promoting evidence-based social policy dialogue, and, importantly, defending and advocating for academic freedom and professional autonomy within an African framework.
The theme “Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis” not only sparked substantive discussions but also featured a keynote speech by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—a notable highlight indeed.
Collins Oyuu’s election to the Executive Committee of EIRAF positions him as a pivotal player in crafting Africa’s educational future. His responsibilities will include advocating for robust education systems, nurturing collaboration among member nations, and addressing global challenges that teachers and education workers encounter.
Kenya’s celebration of this achievement signals a new chapter in the country’s participation in global education discourse. Secretary General Oyuu, poised to provide his insights and leadership on the international stage, exemplifies Kenya’s elevated role in shaping worldwide educational perspectives.