KUPPET ADC Approves Controversial Constitutional Changes

KUPPET ADC Approves Controversial Constitutional Changes.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has introduced significant constitutional amendments during its Annual Delegates Conference (ADC), sparking heated debates.

Among the changes is the removal of the age limit for national office holders, effectively allowing them to serve indefinitely if re-elected.

Extended Retirement Age

The retirement age, previously set at 60, was raised to 65 in last year’s ADC. However, some members contested the amendments, alleging that the age limit had been introduced surreptitiously.

As a result of the latest changes, Secretary General Akello Misori and Treasurer Mwethi Njengga, who would have retired under the previous rules, can now continue serving if re-elected.

Other senior officials, including National Chairman Omboko Milemba, who doubles as Emuhaya MP, Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima, and National Organising Secretary Paul Maingi, were also nearing retirement after the 2026 elections.

The amendments emphasize promoting gender equity and eliminating discrimination based on sex, age, race, tribe, or religion.

Opposition and Legal Threats

A section of union leaders, led by Deputy National Treasurer Ronald Tonui, has opposed the changes.

Tonui, who was locked out of the Vihiga ADC, plans to challenge the amendments in court, arguing they were passed without adequate public participation.

He criticized the lack of consultation with members from all 47 branches, accusing the leadership of bypassing key governance processes like the National Executive Board and National Governing Council before tabling the proposals at the ADC.

Creation of New Positions

The amendments introduced new positions, including nine trustees, eight of whom will be elected at the ADC. The ninth slot is reserved for the union’s founding Secretary General until they are ineligible.

The National Executive Board now comprises 14 elected officials, with provisions ensuring regional representation, gender balance, disability inclusion, and Junior Secondary representation.

Additionally, the amendments require branch officials seeking national positions to resign 31 days before elections, prompting branch by-elections. Candidates for national union positions must be members of either the National Executive Board or Branch Executive Committees.

Expanded Representation and Councils

The changes created Regional Councils, which include branch officials such as chairpersons, executive secretaries, and women representatives from former administrative provinces.

These councils will meet twice yearly and will be funded through grants approved by the National Executive Board.

Four new positions on the National Executive Board have been introduced to accommodate Junior Secondary representation and additional gender secretaries.

Meanwhile, nomination fees for elective positions have increased sharply, with top positions like Secretary General, National Chairman, and Treasurer now requiring Ksh500,000 to contest.

Criticism of the Amendments

Some officials have criticized the amendments, describing them as discriminatory. They argued the changes would prevent popular branch officials from ascending to national positions, forcing them to remain at the branch level.

There are accusations that the changes aim to entrench power among current national leaders, which could backfire.

Leadership wrangles within the union have persisted over the past year, fueled by disagreements over constitutional amendments proposed in the 2023 ADC and the handling of the August 25, 2024, teachers’ strike.

Branch officials accuse national leaders of failing to consult them on critical decisions affecting members.

Defense from National Leaders

National Chairman Omboko Milemba defended the amendments, acknowledging that unions thrive in chaos and that such changes often face resistance before gaining majority acceptance.

Secretary General Misori said the adjustments had broadened the National Executive Board and established regional offices to address emerging issues.

As KUPPET braces for the 2026 general election, these constitutional changes mark a turning point in the union’s governance, with far-reaching implications for its leadership structure and internal dynamics.

KUPPET ADC Approves Controversial Constitutional Changes.