KUPPET Raises Election Nomination Fees Up to KSh500,000.
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New Nomination Fee Structure
Teachers aspiring to join the National Executive Board (NEB) of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) will now face significantly higher nomination fees.
The fee for key positions such as Secretary General, National Chairman, and National Treasurer has been raised to KSh500,000. Other national positions, including Deputy Secretary General, National Vice Chairman, National Organizing Secretary, National Gender Secretary, National Secretary Secondary, National Secretary Tertiary, and National Assistant Treasurer, will require KSh300,000. Previously, a flat rate of KSh250,000 was charged for these positions.
At the branch level, the nomination fee for Executive Secretary has surged from KSh50,000 to KSh200,000, while the Chairman and Treasurer positions will now require KSh100,000, up from KSh10,000.
Other branch-level seats, such as Vice-chairman, Assistant Secretary, Vice Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, Gender Secretary, Secretary Secondary, and Secretary Tertiary, will attract a KSh50,000 fee, a significant increase from the current KSh10,000.
Opposition from Union Members
A number of union officials and members have expressed strong opposition to the amendments, which were approved during a tense Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) in Vihiga.
The event was marred by violence, with some delegates barred from entry and allegations of hired goons being used to intimidate dissenters.
Multiple petitions contesting the changes and their registration have been sent to the Registrar of Trade Unions.
Branch officials believe the fee hikes aim to discourage potential challengers to the union’s leadership.
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Some allege the amendments are a strategy to suppress opposition and protect the interests of the current top officials, particularly amidst ongoing leadership disputes that have divided the union.
Leadership Dynamics and 2026 Elections
Insiders suggest the changes are intended to weaken emerging opposition within the union, including a group supporting Ronald Tonui, the National Assistant Treasurer.
Tonui, viewed as a potential challenger to Secretary General Akelo Misori in the 2026 elections, was reportedly barred from the Vihiga ADC.
Although Tonui has not declared his candidacy, his growing support poses a perceived threat to the incumbent leadership.
Retirement Age Clause and Expanded Leadership
Another contentious amendment is the removal of the retirement age limit, currently set at 60 years.
This change, framed under the union’s objectives, prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, race, tribe, or religion.
Additionally, the NEB has been expanded from 10 to 14 members with new positions, including three Assistant National Gender Secretaries and an Assistant National Secretary for Junior Secondary.
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The amendments also introduce eight Regional Councils, funded by their respective branches, and increase the number of delegates each county branch sends to the ADC from 10 to 14, representing up to 300 members.
Petitions to Registrar of Trade Unions
Despite these changes, many union members remain dissatisfied, citing concerns over fairness and transparency.
Several petitions challenging the amendments have been submitted to the Registrar of Trade Unions, reflecting widespread discontent among the union’s rank and file.
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