Blow to Kuppet’s Top Brass as Registrar Rejects Controversial Amendments.
A teachers’ union has faced a significant setback after the Registrar of Trade Unions declined to implement proposed constitutional amendments.
This decision has sent the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) leadership back to the drawing board to address the far-reaching changes passed during a chaotic Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held in Vihiga County last year.
The Acting Registrar of Trade Unions, Ann Kanake, cited widespread objections from members and officials as the primary reason for her decision to reject the amendments.
She directed the union’s leadership, including Secretary-General Akello Misori, National Chairman Omboko Milemba, and National Treasurer Mwethi Njenga, to respond to the numerous petitions challenging the proposals and their adoption process.
Ms. Kanake’s letter, dated January 8, 2024, emphasized the significance of the objections raised, noting their procedural and substantive nature. She described the objections as too numerous to ignore, signaling the need for comprehensive responses from the union’s top officials.
This development marks a temporary victory for Assistant National Treasurer Ronald Tonui and Sammy Chelanga, the secretary for tertiary institutions.
These officials, alongside various branch representatives, have been vocal in opposing the amendments.
Mr. Tonui, who had been ousted by national officials but later reinstated by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, was barred from attending the ADC on December 20, 2024, alongside other dissenting branch officials.
Controversial Proposals Under Scrutiny
The amendments, which were championed by the union’s top brass, have sparked intense debate within Kuppet. Key proposals include:
| Proposed Amendment | Impact |
|---|---|
| Scrapping the retirement age | Allows officials like Mr. Misori and Mr. Njenga to exceed the 60-year limit by 2026. |
| Mandatory resignation for branch officials seeking national posts | Forces officials to step down before running for higher positions. |
| Increased registration fees | Higher costs for branch and national office aspirants. |
| Expansion of the National Executive Board | Adds new roles such as Regional Councils and junior school representatives. |
Mr. Tonui has called for transparent and inclusive reforms, urging the Secretary-General to involve members comprehensively in the amendment process.
He recommended soliciting proposals from members, forwarding them to the constitutional committee, and facilitating debates in the National Governing Council and Branch General Assemblies without filtering.
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Leadership’s Justifications
Proponents of the changes, including Assistant Secretary-General Moses Nthurima, Organising Secretary Paul Maingi, Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Vice-Chairman Julius Korir, and Secretary for Secondary Schools Edward Obwocha, argue that the amendments aim to modernize the union’s structure.
However, dissenters claim the proposals primarily serve the interests of the current leadership.
The rejection by the Registrar places pressure on the union’s leadership to address the concerns raised and chart a way forward. With mounting internal opposition and a divided membership, Kuppet’s top officials must now balance their ambitions with the need for unity and transparency within the union.
Blow to Kuppet’s Top Brass as Registrar Rejects Controversial Amendments.
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