The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has ordered the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to release key records linked to the Kisii Branch Burial Benevolent Fund within 14 days.
The directive follows a complaint by a paid-up member of the union’s Social Welfare Association who said he was denied access to documents showing how the burial fund is being managed.
The member had asked to see bank statements, records of bereavement payouts and payment vouchers showing allowances given to sub-county delegates and officials in charge of the fund. But despite several requests, he says the union blocked him.
Frustrated, he turned to the CAJ for help.
According to the Commission, the member first wrote to the Kisii Branch Treasurer in April 2025 asking to inspect the books of accounts, as earlier advised. He even sent the letter by email. However, the treasurer reportedly refused to allow him access.
This forced him to go back to the Commission and report the matter.
After reviewing the case, the CAJ looked into whether it had the legal power to handle the complaint under the Access to Information Act and whether KUPPET should share the documents.
KUPPET argued that it is a private body and therefore not bound by the law. But the Commission disagreed, saying even private organisations can be required to release information, especially if they deal with matters of public interest or members’ contributions.
The Commission noted that the union had already admitted the records exist and had initially told the member to request inspection, only to later deny him access.
In its ruling, the CAJ said the member has a right to inspect the documents or receive certified copies.
It warned that if KUPPET fails to comply within 14 days, it will face a daily fine of KSh 10,000 until the records are released.
For many teachers who contribute to the burial fund every month, the decision is seen as a win for transparency and accountability over their hard-earned money.
