The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has announced major leadership changes as it sets to conduct its national elections in 2026.
The union intends to increase the number of officials at the branch level to give teachers more power when bargaining with the government. The changes will mainly favour women and young teachers, who have historically remained marginalised in representation at the union.
Kuppet secretary-general Akello Misori said the union had amended its 2011 constitution to include more officials and to include marginalised groups. But this was challenged in court through a petition that sought to have the changes invalidated on the basis that the process was unconstitutional, illegal and procedurally flawed.
The petitioners argued that the changes introduced excessive nomination fees that were discriminatory and which would undermine members’ rights to fair labour practices and equal participation in union leadership. On Thursday, the Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed the petition giving Kuppet a green light to continue with the elections.
Justice Mathews Nderi Nduma ruled that the amendments to the union's constitution were lawfully undertaken and properly registered by the Registrar of Trade Unions.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary-General Akelo Misori.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Misori welcomed the court's decision saying the constriction is progressive and that it was amended based on the processes available in law.
"It is the only constitution being used by trade unions to affirm the third gender rule which our national constitution talks about. It also brings on board the youths and people with disability (PWD) into leadership and," the unionist said.
Speaking during the annual delegate’s conference of the union at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay Town on Friday, Mr Misori assured teachers that the election will be conducted in a free and fair manner. Union members will take part in the poll at the branch levels in the months of January and February.
Mr Misori said this is an opportunity for youthful teachers to express interest in representing their counterparts and vie for election.
"Youths make up a substantial number of teachers and members of the union. They have an opportunity to vie for positions at the branch. We have also created a position that takes care of the interest of youths," the Kuppet secretary general said.
In the new leadership structure through the new constitution, Kuppet will have 15 branch executive committee members. The previous leadership structure guidelines only had 10 positions.
Kuppet National Secretary-General Akelo Misori speaks to journalists at Chulaimbo Secondary School on June 27, 2017 with him is Kisumu County counterpart Zablon Awange (left) and Homa Bay County’s Stephen Yogo .
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Kuppet Executive Secretary for Homa Bay Branch Stephen Yogo explained that the first 14 members will be elected and it will consider PWDs.
"It will also consider the third gender rule. There was only one woman in charge of gender. The new constitution will enable more women to lead," he said.
According to Mr Yogo, having more officials will also enable more members to participate in electing national delegates and other officials.
"We have been getting complains that the 10 officials make bad decisions for the union. This will now be a change for teachers to be part of the decision-making processes," Mr Yogo said.
Kuppet Gender Secretary Catherine Wabilianga said she has been the only female at the national level.
The new constitution created two more positions and the union will now have three women sitting at the national executive board while others will find an opportunity to be at the branch level.
"It is a big gain in gender representation. For once, we will have a youthful leader sitting on the board," Ms Wabilianga said. “We have grown over the years and we are proud of the steps we are making," the unionist said.
President William Ruto (second left), Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (left), Knut First National Vice chairman Malel Langat (right) and Kuppet chairman Omboko Milemba during a meeting with more than 10,000 teachers at State House, Nairobi, on September 13, 2025.
Photo credit: PCS
During discussions at the conference, teachers discussed their report scorecard on the 2025-2029 collective bargaining agreement. Mr Misori said President William Ruto had promised to engage the National Treasury and Teachers Service Commission to look into teachers' promotions.
"He promised to double the number of promotions. Already 25,000 teachers had been interviewed. We hope more positions will be advertised. We had a retreat with TSC to discuss financial matters," he said.
Teachers also discussed Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) which they said is problematic, causing stagnation and frustration. They called for overhaul of the system.
Kuppet members also raised concern over migration to Social Health Authority which they said denies some of them an opportunity of accessing medical services from some hospitals.
Mr Misori said a lot of teachers are concerned about failure by some hospitals to be listed by (SHA) to offer medical services.
"Teachers want quality services. They want to go to hospitals where they can get pharmaceuticals. Teachers want medical services from hospitals like Aga Khan. You know what teachers can do when their interests are not taken care of," he said.
