The Registrar of Trade Unions has rejected a proposal by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to raise the retirement age for union officials.
KUPPET had proposed raising of the retirement age for union officials from 60 to 65 years, the proposal is part of the union’s amendments of its constitutions.
The Acting Registrar Ann Kanake specifically cited Article 13.0(a)(vii) of KUPPET’s Constitution, stating that it conflicted with Section 34(2)(a) of the Labour Relations Act.
“As much as the registrar acknowledges the presented application for amendment of the union’s constitution, it is trite for the registrar to also consider other attendant issues,” reads the letter from the registrar dated January 8, 2025.
The decision by the registrar also follows objections from some union members who had stated that the amendment was both procedural and substantive grounds.
She instructed those who presented the amendments to address objections raised by union members who she said are numerous to facilitate further consideration.
The union also sought to expand the number of elective positions from 10 to 16.
They said the amendment aims to give officials from underrepresented regions such as Coast, North Eastern, and Nairobi a chance to be in charge national leadership roles.
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Another proposal was to seek to remove the age limit for national office holders and to implement proportional representation (pro rata) to select union delegates.
The union’s Assistant National Treasurer Ronald Tonui has applauded union members and officials for their commitment to upholding KUPPET’s integrity.
Undemocratic practices
Tonui stated that the rejection of the proposed amendments serves as a reminder that undemocratic practices would not be tolerated within the teachers’ union.
“As we move forward, I ask the proponents to take a more inclusive and democratic approach to the process of constitutional amendments,” he said.
He called for involvement of members by holding meetings in branch general assemblies and passing the amendments through the proper channels before presenting them at the annual delegates conference.
KUPPET’s constitution was enacted in 2010 when the union had approximately 20,000 members. The union now enjoys massive membership of over 120,000.
By Obegi Malack
obegimalack@gmail.com
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