The Registrar of Trade Unions, Ann Kanake, has rejected the Contentious 2024 Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Constitutional amendments. She says that a notice to change the Constitution sent to her office and dated 20th December, 2024 had received opposition on both procedural and substantive grounds.
Ms. Kanake says she has raised numerous objections from members adding that the amendments will contravene Section 34 part 2 (a) of the Labour Relations Act which states that: “The constitution of a trade union, employers organisation or federation shall- (a) not contain a provision that discriminates unfairly between incumbents and other candidates in elections”.
The Registrar says the objections and issues so far raised are too numerous for her to ignore.
“As much as the registrat acknowledges the presented application for ammendment of the Union’s Constitution, it is trite for Registrar to also consider other attendant issues. The objections and issues so far raised are too numerous for the Registrar to ignore.” She explains via a memo dated 8th January, 2025.
She has asked the Kuppet Secretary General, Akello Misori, to urgently respond to the raised issues; which have since been emailed to him.
“Consequently, we are not able to proceed with registration of the proposed changes and hereby require that you respond to each of the objections as raised by the said objectors” she directs.
Continue reading: How to join KUPPET, KNUT, KEWOTA union through online process
Among other ammendments, there is a proposal to expand elective positions from 10 to 16, aimed at allowing officials from marginalised regions such as Coast, North Eastern, and Nairobi to secure national leadership roles.
Those behind it are pushing for the adoption of the Proportional Representation (Pro Rata) in the appointment of union delegates.
The union’s constitution was enacted in 2010, when the union had only 20,000 members and currently has more than 120, 000.
The far-reaching changes also seek to remove the age limit for national office holders.
The current retirement age was raised from 60 to 65 years in 2027; something that has been contested by a section of branch officials from across the country.
Also contested is a move to increase nominations fees as follows:
✳️ General Secretary, National Chairman, National treasurer – Sh500,000/-
✳️ All other National seats – Sh300,000/-
✳️ Executive Secretary – Sh200,000/-
✳️ Branch Chair, Branch treasurer – Sh100,000
✳️ All other Branch executive committee seats – Sh50,000.
Also sneaked in the latest copy seen by this writer is a requirement for those eyeing Branch Executive positions.
“A candidate (vying) for a branch election must have been a subscribing member for atleast one yeatr while, those contesting for position of Branch Chairman, Executive Secretary and Treasurer must have served in the BEC (Branch Executive Committee) for atleast three years.” Reads the proposed constition ammendments in Article 13 a (vi).
This would lock out most teachers who may be eyeing not only the Branch Executive Posts but other posts like Gender Secretary, Secretary Secondary and Organising Secretray; among others.
There have been heightened power struggles at the Kuppet National Executive Board that saw the ejection KUPPET National Assistant Treasurer Ronald Tonui.
