Kuppet officials to serve beyond 60 as age limit is removed

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

The changes, which take effect on January 1, 2026, were approved by the Acting Registrar of Trade Unions, Ann Kanake, after months of opposition and legal challenges.

"It is certified that the foregoing alteration of the Constitution of Kuppet has been registered under Section 27 of the Labour Relations Act," Kanake stated in a certificate issued on March 13.

The amendment has drawn mixed reactions, with critics arguing that it cements the dominance of senior officials while locking out younger members from leadership opportunities.

However, supporters claim it promotes inclusivity and accountability within the union.

Among those set to benefit are Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori, National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, National Treasurer Mwethi Njenga, and Woman Representative Catherine Wambiliang.

Others are Organising Secretary Paul Maingi, and Acting Secretary-General Moses Nthurima, many of whom are over 60 and played a role in championing the reforms.

Nthurima defended the changes, saying they introduce accountability and empowerment for all members.

"This marks the beginning of a new era of accountability, inclusivity, and gender and youth empowerment in the union," he stated in a circular dated March 14.

He added that the National Executive Board (NEB) would create avenues for members to engage with the changes before implementation.

Despite the endorsement by senior officials, the reforms have faced strong opposition from some union members, including Assistant Treasurer Ronald Tonui, who led efforts to block them.

Detractors claim national officials manipulated minutes from the Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held on December 20, 2024, at Sosa Resort in Vihiga County before submitting them for registration.

Besides allowing officials to serve beyond 60, the amendments introduce steep fee increments for leadership aspirants.

Candidates for Secretary-General, National Chairman, and National Treasurer positions will now pay Sh500,000, while those seeking Deputy Secretary-General, National Vice-Chairman, National Organising Secretary, National Gender Secretary, National Secretary Secondary, National Secretary Treasury, and Assistant National Treasurer roles will pay Sh300,000.

Critics argue that this move will lock out ordinary teachers from contesting leadership positions.

New leadership positions introduced

The reforms have also led to structural changes in the union, including the creation of nine trustee positions, eight to be filled through elections at the Delegates Conference, while the founding Secretary-General will hold the ninth slot.

The NEB will now expand to 14 elected officials, ensuring representation for regional, gender, disability, and Junior Secondary interests.

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

At the branch level, additional roles have been created, including First, Second, and Third Assistant Gender Secretary, and Assistant Secretary Junior Secondary.

A controversial provision now requires branch officials seeking national office to resign at least 31 days before elections.

Critics argue this limits career progression within the union, as only members of the NEB and Branch Executive Committees will be eligible to contest national positions.

While proponents insist the amendments promote fairness and equal opportunity, opposition remains strong, with concerns that the new leadership framework and financial barriers will restrict access to leadership for many members.