"That's what accountant picked": TSC nominee Sossion declares 'modest' networth

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Former KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education for TSC commissioner vetting

- Sossion told the committee his wealth includes two homes, land, Sacco savings, and a personal vehicle, with no outstanding loans

- A High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders temporarily halting the vetting process amid a petition challenging the nominations

Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion declared his net worth when he appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education on Tuesday for vetting as a nominee to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

President William Ruto nominated Sossion to fill one of two vacant TSC commissioner positions. He told the committee his declared wealth, a net worth of KSh 65 million, breaks down into two residential properties valued at KSh 40 million, land worth KSh 15 million, savings held in a Sacco, and a personal vehicle.

Sossion was clear that the KSh 65 million figure reflects his position after deducting liabilities and confirmed he carries no active debt.

"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.

Sossion's Pledges to the TSC

The former union leader, who headed KNUT from 2013 to 2021, promised the committee that his approach at the commission would be collaborative rather than confrontational.

He committed to honouring government directives and fostering cooperation between the TSC and the Ministry of Education.

"I will ensure that the government directives are respected. I will ensure there will never be war between TSC and the ministry. I will ensure both are working together. There has to be cooperation," he said.

Sossion said he intends to work within the commission's existing strategic framework, prioritise the reduction of bureaucracy and corruption, and fast-track the processing of teachers' pension benefits, which he described as a pressing concern within the profession.

Drawing a distinction between his past advocacy role and his prospective duties as a commissioner, he told MPs:

"I was not pulling down the commission; I was building the commission. From this side I was advocating. From the employer's side, I will be implementing. I will not come in and be a disruptor."

Political Neutrality and Legal Challenge

Sossion, who previously served as a nominated Member of Parliament representing workers' interests, told the committee he holds no political party membership and would not pursue partisan goals within the commission. He also ruled out resigning to contest the 2027 General Elections.

"I will serve full-time as a commissioner because my favourite job is teaching, service and promotion of education," he said.

However, the vetting process faces a legal obstacle. The High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders restraining further action on the nominations of both Sossion and fellow nominee Antonina Lentoijoni, pending the determination of a petition challenging their appointments.

If cleared and approved, Sossion would join the nine-member constitutional body responsible for the management of teachers in public schools and the implementation of policies governing the teaching workforce across Kenya.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.