Sossion tells MPs: My net worth is Sh65 million, no outstanding loans

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) nominee Wilson Sossion has told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education that his net worth stands at Sh65 million.

Sossion disclosed on Thursday while appearing before the committee for vetting for appointment as a member of the Teachers Service Commission.

He said his wealth comprises homes valued at Sh40 million, land worth Sh15 million, savings in a Sacco and a personal vehicle.

Sossion clarified that the Sh65 million figure represents his net worth after accounting for his assets and that he has no outstanding liabilities.

“That is what my accountant picked correctly. My net worth excluding liabilities, I do not have any running loan; it is actually at Sh65 million,” he told the committee.

The former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General was subjected to questions on his professional background, leadership experience, financial interests and suitability to serve on the constitutional commission responsible for managing Kenya’s teaching workforce.

Sossion said his long experience in the teachers’ trade union movement would be an asset to the TSC, arguing that it had given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing educators.

He served as KNUT Secretary-General between 2013 and 2021, during which he emerged as one of the most prominent voices on teachers’ remuneration, promotions, working conditions and collective bargaining.

His tenure at the union saw him engage frequently with the Teachers Service Commission and the Government over teachers’ employment terms and the implementation of collective bargaining agreements.

Sossion later served as a nominated MP representing workers’ interests, further expanding his experience in legislation, labour relations and public policy.

During his vetting, he argued that his background as a representative of teachers should not be viewed as a conflict of interest but rather as an advantage in strengthening the commission.

He said his experience could help bridge the gap between teachers and the TSC by ensuring that the concerns of educators are better understood when policies and decisions affecting their careers are made.

The TSC is constitutionally mandated to register trained teachers, recruit and employ teachers, assign them to public institutions and exercise disciplinary control over teachers.

The commission also plays a central role in managing Kenya’s teaching workforce and implementing policies affecting teachers in public schools.

Sossion’s nomination comes at a time when issues surrounding teachers’ remuneration, promotions, workload, working conditions and staffing remain significant concerns within the education sector.

His experience at KNUT is expected to come under close scrutiny as members of the committee assess whether his previous role as a teachers’ union leader could influence his approach to the commission’s mandate.

However, Sossion maintained that his extensive engagement with teachers and Government institutions had prepared him for the responsibilities of serving on the TSC.