Collins Oyuu is a Kenyan teacher and trade union leader currently serving as Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). He assumed office after being elected unopposed, succeeding Wilson Sossion.
Born in 1965 in Uyoma, Rarieda Constituency in Siaya County, Oyuu has built a career grounded in education and labor representation. Over the years, he has become one of the most vocal advocates for teachers’ welfare in Kenya, particularly on matters of recruitment, remuneration and professional development.
Beyond his role at KNUT, he also serves as a member of the Kenya National Qualifications Board, to which he was appointed in October 2023.
Early Life and Educational Background
Primary and Early Education
Collins Oyuu began his primary education in 1972 at Kasarani Primary School. His early years reflected a disciplined academic journey shaped by rural upbringing in Siaya County.
In 1983, he briefly attended the Kenya Police Training College before redirecting his focus toward education and ministry formation.
Seminary and Teacher Training
He undertook seminary studies at Queen of Apostles Seminary in Mabanga for several years. However, he later transitioned into the teaching profession.
In 1987, he joined Shanzu Teachers Training College in Kilifi, where he trained as a teacher. He later advanced his studies and earned a Bachelor of Education degree, strengthening his professional credentials in the education sector.
Career Background
Teaching Career
Collins Oyuu began his teaching career at Ruma Primary School in Siaya County. His classroom experience shaped his understanding of the challenges teachers face across Kenya’s public education system.
His interaction with grassroots educators later influenced his leadership approach within the union movement.
Rise Within KNUT
His involvement in union leadership began in 1996 when he was elected as a Branch Executive Committee member in Siaya County.
In 2002, he rose to become Chairperson of the Bondo Branch. By 2008, he had been elected Secretary of the Rarieda Branch.
His steady rise continued in 2013 when he joined the KNUT National Steering Committee. He later served as Acting Assistant Secretary General and was confirmed to the position in 2015.
In 2018, he was elected KNUT Vice Chairperson, further cementing his national leadership profile.
Secretary General of KNUT
Collins Oyuu was elected Secretary General of KNUT unopposed, taking over from Wilson Sossion. His tenure has focused on strengthening collective bargaining, improving teacher recruitment and safeguarding members’ rights.
Under his leadership, KNUT successfully pushed for implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. This agreement led to official salary increments for Kenyan teachers effective July 2025.
He has also advocated for the confirmation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers into permanent and pensionable positions, with proposals targeting 20,000 confirmations by 2026.
Public Service and Board Membership
In October 2023, Collins Oyuu was appointed as a member of the Kenya National Qualifications Board. This role places him within national policy discussions on academic standards, certification and quality assurance in education.
His appointment reflects recognition of his experience in education governance and teacher representation.
Family
Collins Oyuu is married and has three children – two sons and one daughter. Despite his high profile in national union leadership, he maintains a relatively private family life.
Net Worth
Collins Oyuu’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. As a long serving educator and union official, his income is primarily derived from his professional roles within the education and labor sectors.
There are no publicly available reports linking him to major private business ventures. His public image remains largely centered on education advocacy and trade union leadership.
Legacy in Teachers’ Advocacy
Collins Oyuu continues to shape Kenya’s education discourse through collective bargaining negotiations and policy advocacy. His journey from classroom teacher to national union leader reflects decades of involvement in teacher welfare and public education reform.
As KNUT Secretary General, he remains a key voice in conversations surrounding teacher employment, salary structures and education standards in Kenya.
