Kuppet officials get fresh nod amid push for reforms

Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori shortly after he was re-elected in Kasarani, Nairobi yesterday. [PHOTO: BEVERLYNE MUSILI/STANDARD]

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) top leadership yesterday vowed to push for reforms at the examinations agency to restore credibility of national tests.

The union officials also said they will engage Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to stop harassing teachers through impromptu visits.

Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori faulted trips by Dr Matiang’i to schools ‘under the guise of implementing policies.’

“As a Cabinet Secretary he should be formulating policies and instructing his field officers to implement. His trips are harassing teachers and we will not accept that,” said Mr Misori.

He said it would be useless to engage teachers in strict classroom teaching when the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) cannot guarantee credibility of tests.

“We shall lead the push to reform Knec until we are sure theft of examinations is reduced substantially,” said Misori. Misori spoke moments after the entire top union leadership got fresh mandate to serve another five-year term in near unanimous elections that took place yesterday.

Misori garnered 365 votes against his challenger – Laikipia County Branch Executive Secretary, Ndungu Wangenye, who got 55 votes.

Renewed energy

Votes were only cast for the Secretary General’s position. Ronald Tonui, whose position was also contested, shall continue serving as the Vice National Treasurer after a court order barred elections to replace the incumbent.

Robert Nyabuto, former Narok County Executive Secretary, was challenging Tonui.

Speaking after his re-election, Misori said the union is now energised to pursue pay talks until a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is signed.

“This election is a show of confidence that we have mandate to pursue the Teachers Service Commission pay talked with zeal,” said Misori. He said teachers shall not relent in the quest to sign a CBA.

“We are more energised than before and we want to assure our members that we shall not let them down,” said Misori.

No voting was conducted for the remaining national positions as no candidates came out to challenge the incumbents.

Kuppet National Chairman Omboko and his deputy Julius Korir retained their seats as they were elected unopposed.

Moses Nthurima also retained his position as Deputy Secretary General.

Mwethi Njenga, who has been Kuppet National Treasurer also retained his position.

Other positions not challenged are Secretary Gender currently held by Catherine Wabilyanga, Secretary Tertiary held by Sammy Chelanga and the Secretary Secondary under Edward Obwocha.

Elections were yesterday held at Kasarani, Nairobi. Some 420 delegates were present. Misori said the four union trustees shall be elected in December during the union’s Annual Delegate’s Conference.