The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) 2026 national elections are poised for significant changes as a substantial number of branch officials express their intentions to contest for top union positions. Despite various hurdles, these officials are determined to bring fresh perspectives and restore trust within the union.
Several branch officials have disclosed their plans to run for national seats in the upcoming elections, even if the current union constitution, which mandates resignation from branch positions before contesting national elections, remains unchanged. They are committed to challenging the status quo, believing that their involvement will rejuvenate the union and address pressing issues faced by its members.
KUPPET Vihiga Executive Secretary Sabala Inyeni and Narok Executive Secretary Charles Ng’eno have recently declared their candidacies, joining KUPPET Migori Executive Secretary Samuel Orwa Jasolo, who announced his intentions earlier this year. Sabala emphasized the necessity of new leadership, stating, “Teachers are asking very many questions whose responses we don’t have. It is a general feeling among KUPPET members that we inject some fresh blood in the national office. I have taken up that challenge to present myself for that election.”
Both Sabala and Jasolo have previously faced challenges within the union, including being removed from the payroll in late 2021 for opposing the controversial Teacher Professional Development (TPD) program. Alongside them were William Lengoiyap of Samburu, Moses Kimwere of Isiolo, and Robert Miano of Laikipia.
Jasolo, the first branch official to declare his candidacy, cited pressure from teachers and delegates as the driving force behind his decision. “I will be taking the bull by its horns,” he asserted, indicating his readiness to confront the challenges ahead.
Ng’eno echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for a leadership overhaul in the union’s national office. He stated, “We need fresh blood at the national office and we have so many reasons to do that. The teachers must be given a new lease of life in terms of leadership, people who can negotiate for the teachers, who have interest for the teacher, and who will not sneak in a constitution that is not teacher friendly.”
Paul Rotich, KUPPET Nandi Executive Secretary, is also consulting extensively regarding his candidacy for the National Executive Board (NEB) seat in 2026. Despite the existing constitutional requirement to resign from branch positions upon election, Rotich remains undeterred. “There is nothing which will prevent me from contesting for the NEB seat in 2026,” he affirmed.
Reliable sources indicate that Omondi Oluoch, KUPPET Tana River Executive Secretary, and his Samburu counterpart Lengoiyap are also strategizing for the 2026 elections. These officials aim to bring substantial changes to the union’s leadership dynamics.
In 2021, all current national officials were re-elected unopposed for another five-year term. However, the upcoming elections promise to be more competitive, with a growing number of branch officials ready to challenge the incumbents.
The determination of these branch officials signifies a pivotal moment for KUPPET, as they seek to address teachers’ concerns, enhance transparency, and foster a more inclusive leadership structure. As the 2026 elections approach, the union is set for a transformative phase, driven by officials committed to revitalizing its national executive board and championing the interests of its members.
