Education Cabinet Secretary has lauded the Kenya National Union of Teachers for protecting the interests of the educators since it was formed.
Machogu spoke on Tuesday at Kasarani stadium during the 63rd Knut Annual Delegates Conference, which was themed The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want; The Kenyan Imperative to Reverse Teacher Shortage.
"I wish to commend Knut and its leadership for the major milestones that you have achieved over the years, since 1957 when this Union was founded," Machogu said.
The CS said the battles the Union has fought have been evolving over the years.
He said in the '50s and part of the '60s, the Union’s concerns revolved around the racial discrimination of African teachers and the denial of basic rights, such as pension, leave and medical allowances for African teachers.
"When racial discrimination became a thing of the past, the Union necessarily took on new, contemporary battles," Machogu said.
He said since then, Knut has fought for improved remuneration for teachers and strived for greater legal protection of teachers and their employer.
"Today, due to your efforts, teachers are among the few professions in our country that have a constitutional commission as their employer," Machogu said.
While the type of battles that the Union has fought have been evolving over the years, Machogu said the war has always been the same.
He said the motivation behind all these efforts has been the quest to promote and protect the interests of teachers in Kenya.
Machogu said the government values the place of the trade union movement in Kenya.
"We recognize the role that trade unions, including Knut, continue to play in the socio-economic and political advancement of the country. When you agitate for the welfare of your members, you are also indirectly fighting for the welfare of many other citizens," he said.
The CS said when the welfare of the teacher improves, the best interest of the learner is also promoted.