The Registrar of Trade Unions has ruled that Kuppet and Uasu must conduct their 2026 elections under old constitutions after court orders blocked controversial amendments. Trade Unions has issued a directive barring the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) from using amended constitutions in the 2026 elections. Acting registrar Ann Kanake, in a circular to all trade unions, emphasized that only constitutions already recognized by the Labour Office will apply, unless courts lift existing conservatory orders.
This ruling strikes a blow to Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori and Uasu boss Dr. Constantine Wasonga, both of whom stand to lose their positions. Misori’s faction had controversially amended Kuppet’s constitution to remove the age limit for top officials and restrict national voting to branch officials. Meanwhile, Wasonga pushed to remove the two-term limit for Uasu’s secretary-general. Both moves were blocked by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Union insiders argue that the changes were attempts to entrench leadership and lock out younger candidates. Critics, such as Kuppet Vihiga branch secretary Sabala Inyeni, have accused the national office of manipulating meeting minutes to pass amendments without transparent voting.
With branch elections scheduled between January and March 2026, and national polls set for April to June 2026, both unions now face tense contests under their old constitutions. The ruling renews debate on internal democracy in trade unions and the dangers of leaders clinging to office indefinitely.
