KUPPET Constitutional Amendments Face Backlash from Teachers

KUPPET faces Opposition from some members over constitutional changes. A group of teachers has lodged an appeal to the Registrar of Trade Unions citing lack of transparency, democratic participation and financial barriers to leadership.

Teachers not Consulted

The opposition is led by Vivian Chepkemoi Towett and other KUPPET members who have petitioned the Registrar of Trade Unions. They argue that the changes published in Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1403 on February 6, 2025 were introduced without sufficient member consultation. According to them, this contravenes Article 25 of the union’s own constitution which requires all changes to be circulated to branches for discussion before adoption.

Key Changes Under the Spotlight

The proposed changes introduce several structural and financial changes to KUPPET’s constitution including:

1. Motto Change – The union’s motto is to change from “Integrity” to “Solidarity.” Critics say this changes the core values of the organisation.
2. Increased Nomination Fees – The cost of vying for leadership positions has increased significantly making it difficult for grassroots candidates to contest.
3. Expansion of the National Executive Board (NEB) – This together with the introduction of new regional councils is seen as a move to centralise power.

Financial Barriers to Leadership

One of the most contentious changes is the sharp increase in nomination fees for leadership positions. The current fees are:

• Sh250,000 for national seats
• Sh50,000 for branch Executive Secretary positions
• Sh10,000 for other branch offices

Under the new proposal the fees will be:

• Sh500,000 for Secretary-General, National Chairman and National Treasurer
• Sh300,000 for Deputy Secretary-General, National Vice-Chairman and other senior national positions

Teachers argue that these exorbitant fees give an unfair advantage to wealthy candidates and lock out competent but financially challenged members.

Bureaucratic Expansion

The introduction of regional councils has also raised fears of increased bureaucracy and inefficiency. Teachers opposing the changes say expanding the NEB will drain union resources, create unnecessary power struggles and complicate decision making.

Teachers want AccountabilityIn their petition they are demanding:

• The amendments be suspended immediately
• A transparent and inclusive discussion on the proposed changes
• The union focus on more pressing teacher issues such as poor medical cover, job stagnation and salary increments

A Divided Union

Critics say instead of addressing these critical issues the KUPPET leadership is prioritizing constitutional changes that benefit a few. “These changes were rushed through without member engagement. The increased nomination fees lock out many qualified candidates from vying for leadership positions,” said Ms. Towett.

What’s Next for KUPPET?

As tempers rise the fate of the amendments is unclear. Teachers have vowed to resist the changes they feel are unfair and undemocratic. The next few weeks will tell whether the KUPPET leadership will listen to its members or push through with the changes despite the growing opposition.