The ongoing internal crisis within the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has entered a new chapter. What began as a leadership tussle has now resulted in a landmark court decision. Here’s an inside look at the conflict, its resolution and what lies ahead.
Root of the conflict
Tensions rose between KUPPET’s national leadership (Secretary-General Akelo Misori and Deputy SG Moses Nthurima) and branch/sector officials over amendments to the union constitution, disciplinary powers, election rules and control of funds. In 2024, five senior officials were suspended or expelled amid claims of unfair process and political motivations by the national leadership.
Legal escalation
The five officials filed a petition in 2024, arguing their rights under the Labour Relations Act and the union’s constitution were violated. Interim orders in November 2024 required the union to remit branch funds and stop interference. In June 2025, Justice Makau found the interim orders regular. The climax came when Justice Ongaya found the disciplinary clause unconstitutional.
The broader struggle
- Governance & power: The dispute centered on who controls KUPPET – national leadership vs branch/grass-roots.
- Internal democracy: Questions over constitution amendments (e.g., age limits, nomination structures) triggered dissent.
- Financial transparency: Branch fund remittances and central vs local control were contentious.
- Representation of teachers: With the union’s focus externally (collective bargaining, policy advocacy), internal instability threatens its credibility.
What the resolution signals
- The court’s dismissal of the disciplinary clause underlines that union governance must follow rule of law.
- The reinstatement of five branch officials empowers branch voices, possibly altering leadership dynamics.
- The coming months will test how KUPPET rebuilds legitimacy, reforms its constitution, and manages elections.
Looking ahead
- Constitutional reform: Immediate priority for KUPPET to revise its constitution to align with legal requirements.
- Election cycle: As elections loom, competition will intensify; union members should be alert to governance issues.
- Credibility & trust: KUPPET must rebuild trust among teachers and stakeholders by demonstrating transparent processes and effective representation.
- Teachers’ interests: In the midst of these disputes, the union’s ability to focus on teacher issues (promotion, working conditions, CBA negotiations) must not wane.
Take-away: The KUPPET crisis shows that even strong unions must tend to internal governance. The union’s future will depend on how well it reforms, engages members and advances teachers’ interests.
