Teachers Oppose Kuppet Constitutional Amendments Over Transparency Concerns
A faction of teachers has strongly objected to proposed amendments to the constitution of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), expressing concerns over a lack of transparency and restrictive changes that could hinder democratic participation in union affairs.
Led by Vivian Chepkemoi Towett, the dissenting members have petitioned the Registrar of Trade Unions, asserting that the amendments, as outlined in Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1403 dated February 6, 2025, were introduced without adequate consultation.
They argue that Kuppet violated Article 25 of its constitution, which mandates that amendments be circulated to branches for discussion before formal adoption.
Among the proposed changes is the revision of the union’s motto from “Integrity” to “Solidarity,” which critics claim alters the union’s fundamental values.
Additionally, the amendments propose a sharp increase in nomination fees for leadership positions, the expansion of the National Executive Board (NEB), and the establishment of new regional councils.
“Increasing nomination fees is a deliberate move to lock out grassroots candidates and consolidate power within a select group of leaders. It is unfair and undemocratic,” said Ms Towett.
The objecting members argue that these changes will introduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and significantly raise the cost of vying for leadership positions, effectively disadvantaging grassroots candidates.
They contend that the introduction of regional councils may lead to power struggles between the national leadership and branch officials, complicating decision-making processes and potentially weakening the union’s advocacy efforts. Furthermore, they believe the expansion of the NEB will place additional strain on union resources.
“As teachers drawn from Nakuru and Kajiado branch we reject the amendments fully,” she said.
Financial Barriers to Leadership
The amendments under Article 14.0 propose substantial increases in nomination fees. Currently, candidates for national seats pay Sh250,000, branch Executive Secretaries Sh50,000, and other branch office aspirants Sh10,000.
However, the proposed changes will raise fees significantly, with the Secretary-General, National Chairman, and National Treasurer required to pay Sh500,000 each.
Other key national positions, including the Deputy Secretary-General, National Vice Chairman, National Organizing Secretary, and National Gender Secretary, are set at Sh300,000 each.
Critics argue that this sharp increase creates a financial barrier for potential candidates, particularly those from grassroots levels, thereby reducing democratic participation.
They highlight that this amendment contravenes Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which protects against discrimination, including that based on economic status.
Towett and her colleagues insist that the amendments were pushed through without proper member engagement. They claim that increasing nomination fees is a deliberate move to lock out qualified but financially disadvantaged candidates, thereby consolidating power within a select group of leaders.
In their petition, the members demand that the amendments be suspended until thorough consultations take place. They have called for an urgent union meeting to deliberate on the proposed changes and ensure that all teachers have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
Teachers’ Welfare Neglected
The members further criticize Kuppet for focusing on punitive amendments rather than addressing pressing teacher grievances. They argue that the union has neglected critical issues such as poor medical coverage, stagnation in job groups, and other welfare concerns.
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As representatives from the Nakuru and Kajiado branches, the teachers have declared their outright rejection of the amendments.
They stress that the union should prioritize improving teachers’ working conditions instead of imposing changes that restrict participation and entrench exclusivity in leadership.
“This proposed amendment is in contravention of Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 which guarantees protection against discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of economic status,” they said.
Teachers Oppose Kuppet Constitutional Amendments Over Transparency Concerns.
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