Teachers in Mt. Elgon have been urged to take up housing units allocated to them under the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Mt. Elgon Branch Executive Secretary Patrick Cheptum said 20 per cent of the housing units had been reserved for teachers, urging them to register on the Boma Yangu platform to begin the acquisition process.
Cheptum said teachers whose salaries were already subject to the Housing Levy should seize the opportunity instead of remaining on the sidelines.
“Teachers have a right to benefit from the Affordable Housing Programme. The programme has now stabilised after the initial challenges, so I urge all teachers to download the Boma Yangu app, register and explore the available options,” he said.
He was speaking at Kapsokwony Comprehensive School in Mt. Elgon Sub-County during a homecoming ceremony for Grade Six pupil Abel Kibet, who helped Kenya win a silver medal in volleyball at the just-concluded East Africa School Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Cheptum also challenged teachers to embrace digital platforms rolled out to improve their welfare, including Afya Yangu and the KNUT app, saying the platforms had eased access to services and information.
He further urged teachers to play a more active role in identifying and nurturing talent in schools, noting that early support for co-curricular activities could open national and international opportunities for learners while raising the profile of schools and communities.
The ceremony brought together teachers, learners, parents and community members to celebrate Kibet, who rose from zonal contests to represent Kenya at the regional games.
His coach and sports teacher, Tony Chepkirui, said Kibet progressed through sub-county and national competitions before earning a call-up to the national team.
“We are very proud of Abel for representing Mt. Elgon Constituency and Kenya at the East Africa level. His achievement shows the potential our learners have when talent is identified and properly supported,” Chepkiirui said.
He described Kapsokwony Comprehensive School as an emerging sporting hub, noting that learners had previously represented the institution in athletics at national level and rugby at regional level.
Chepkirui revealed that financial constraints had at one point threatened to end Kibet’s sporting journey, but Headteacher Bosis Boit mobilised teachers to raise funds that enabled him to continue competing.
Kibet, who was feted during the ceremony, urged fellow pupils to remain disciplined and committed to their talents.
He said discipline and determination had been key to his progress and encouraged other learners not to give up despite challenges.
KNUT Mt. Elgon Branch Treasurer Evans Cheseto said teachers had joined the community in celebrating Kibet because his achievement was a source of pride for the teaching fraternity and the wider Mt. Elgon region.
He said the silver medal demonstrated what could be achieved when teachers, parents and the community worked together to support learners beyond the classroom.
By Cynthia Kingo
