Divisions are emerging within the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), with officials and members in Embu and Kilifi counties raising serious concerns over alleged mismanagement of union funds, poor leadership and lack of transparency in branch operations.
In Embu County, a group of KUPPET officials and teachers accused the current branch leadership of failing to serve members effectively over the past three years. Speaking during a meeting, the officials said teachers had been left in the dark on key union matters, with little engagement or action taken to address issues affecting their welfare.
They claimed the leadership had overstayed in office and failed to follow basic union procedures, including holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs), which are required to keep members informed and accountable.
“We have had no AGM for the past three years, and there has been no explanation as to why it has not been held,” one official said. “In Embu County, teachers are struggling with poor health services, and there is no accountability when it comes to the Branch Benevolent Fund. The funds are being misused by those in office.”
Concerns were also raised over the management of the Branch Benevolent Fund (BBF), which is meant to support teachers during times of need. One teacher alleged that the union receives more than KSh800,000 every month for welfare, but said the money has not been properly accounted for since 2024.
“KUPPET receives over KSh800,000 every month for BBF welfare. If this money has not been accounted for since last year, then we are talking about millions of shillings. Teachers deserve clear explanations,” the teacher said.
Similar frustrations were echoed in Kilifi County, where teachers accused branch officials of frustrating aspirants ahead of the KUPPET branch elections scheduled for early February. The teachers claimed the union offices had remained closed during the nomination period, effectively blocking some candidates from submitting their papers.
According to the teachers, the closure of the offices appeared deliberate and aimed at locking out certain aspirants from the race.
“I have been here since 8am with my supporters so they can witness me submitting my nomination papers, but it is now 6:30pm and the offices have not been opened,” one aspirant said. “The deadline is the 9th, and we don’t know what is going on.”
Another aspirant said the situation was worrying and could be used to influence who is allowed to contest in the elections. A female teacher added that some aspirants had sought permission from their schools to attend the nomination exercise, only to be inconvenienced by the office closure.
“Some of us asked for permission to be away from school to submit these papers. I have been here the whole day, and the offices have remained closed,” she said.
A male aspirant also criticised the lack of communication from the Kilifi branch leadership, particularly the Executive Secretary.
“It is astonishing that our Executive Secretary has not issued any statement explaining why the offices are closed. It is shameful that an office meant to defend teachers’ rights is the same one inconveniencing teachers,” he said.
Teachers from both Embu and Kilifi counties are now calling on KUPPET’s national leadership to intervene, saying the issues raised have eroded trust in the union and undermined members’ welfare. They are demanding transparency, accountability and strict adherence to union procedures to restore confidence among teachers.
