Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has pledged government support to improve the welfare of teachers and learning standards in Malava, urging educators to play a leading role in shaping political direction ahead of a looming by-election in the constituency.
Speaking in Nairobi after meeting more than 70 teacher representatives from Kakamega North, Mudavadi said the government will prioritize regular dialogue with education stakeholders to address critical gaps in the sector. The delegation included officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA).
“This is the first step of many,” Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi said during the meeting. “We want to work with you to improve the quality of education and the lives of teachers across Western Kenya.”
The delegation submitted a memorandum listing urgent needs in the region’s learning institutions. Among the requests were new tuition blocks, laboratories, and administration offices for secondary schools including Shamberere, Matioli, Manyonje, Tande, and Matsakha. Other proposals called for modern classrooms, an ICT center at Lunyu, and infrastructure expansion at Lurale, Shivikhwa, Ingavira, and Chevoso schools.
The teachers also called for timely pension payments for retired educators and the establishment of more higher learning institutions in Malava. “Our teachers deserve to retire with dignity,” said Simon Sindani, KNUT Chairperson for Kakamega North, who led the delegation. “We are also asking for long-term investments in education infrastructure to match the growing student population.”
KESSHA Vice Chairperson Dan Masitsa emphasized that teachers play a major role in community development and public influence. “We are ready to work with your office and stand with the government. We see you as someone who understands our struggles.”
Mudavadi welcomed the support and underscored the importance of values in leadership. He used the opportunity to honor the late Malava MP, Malulu Injendi, describing him as a man of integrity whose work left a mark in education policy.
“Malulu meant what he said. He stood by his word,” Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi said. “Now Malava must ask, who can fit in his shoes?”
He reminded teachers that as influencers in their communities, they have a responsibility to help constituents make informed choices in the upcoming by-election. He urged them to reject divisive politics and support a candidate with vision and moral clarity.
“You will not just elect a representative for Malava you’ll be choosing a voice for Western Kenya and for the country,” Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi said. “Let’s avoid politics of clannism. Pick someone whose leadership can’t be questioned.” He cautioned against ignoring red flags during the campaign season, comparing misguided leadership choices to boarding the wrong train. “The longer you stay on the wrong track, the costlier it becomes to return home,” he warned.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi also called for peaceful campaigns, noting that the leader who emerges from the elections must be accepted by the people of Malava not imposed. “Until a new MP is elected, I stand as your patron. Let’s move forward together,” he told the teachers.
Last week, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi announced plans to hold broader consultative forums with youth, women, farmers, scholars, clergy, and business leaders in Malava. The initiative is part of his push to foster a shared vision for development and inclusive governance in the region.
The by-election date for Malava is expected to be set following the official declaration of the parliamentary vacancy left by the death of Malulu Injendi.
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