‘Old’ Kuppet officials to continue serving as new constitution is accepted

Top officials within the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) will continue serving beyond the public service retirement age of 60 years after a constitutional amendment scrapped the age limit.

The Acting Registrar of Trade Unions, Ann Kanake, formally approved the changes, which had faced months of opposition and legal battles.

The amendments, which take effect on January 1, 2026, have sparked controversy, with critics accusing national officials of entrenching themselves in power while making leadership opportunities exclusive to the wealthy and elderly.

Among the major beneficiaries of the amendment are Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori, National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, National Treasurer Mwethi Njenga, Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Organising Secretary Paul Maingi and Moses Nthurima, many of whom are above 60 and played a role in championing the changes.

The reforms now allow top officials to remain in office beyond the public service retirement age of 60 and significantly raise the fees for candidates seeking leadership positions.

The amendments also introduce nine trustee positions, eight of which will be elected at the Delegates Conference, while the ninth will be occupied by the founding Secretary-General.

Additionally, the NEB will expand to 14 elected national officials to ensure representation of regional, gender, disability, and Junior Secondary interests.

New national positions created include First, Second, and Third Assistant National Gender Secretary, Assistant National Secretary Junior Secondary, and Regional Council Representative.

At the branch level, new positions include First, Second, and Third Assistant Gender Secretary, and Assistant Secretary Junior Secondary.

The amendments also introduce new eligibility requirements for leadership.
Branch officials vying for national office must resign from their current positions at least 31 days before elections, a move critics say limits opportunities for growth within the union.
Only members of the NEB and Branch Executive Committees will be eligible to contest national positions.