Since taking office in 2011, membership has increased considerably.
Many Trade Unions are characterized by wrangles, sabotage and divisive politics that lead to unending court battles, member attrition, despondent leadership and low staff morale. The current leadership has demonstrated unity of purpose buoyed by the vision and a mission to accomplish. KUPPET has remained an outstanding Union in its conduct of business.
The success of any organisation depends on the leadership structure and management. When the current leadership took over, there were only six (6 ) full time branch executive secretaries. There was need to increase the number of executive secretaries as membership increased at a fast rate. To address this, full time branch executive secretaries has since increased to forty four (44).
Good financial management practices coupled with accountability mechanisms have facilitated regular disbursement of funds from the secretariat to the branches. The Union has a financial committee which deliberates on all financial matters and this enhances transparency, accountability and service delivery. The head office has continually managed the payroll for all employees at the branches guaranteeing the full operationalisation of the branches.
Members of the Union participated in the various county workshops to review the TSC Act, Basic Education Act and TIVET Act. Recently, Education committee on secondary school fees, participation on issues of SMASSE,KUPPET members participated and forwarded their views in the review of Code of conduct and ethics and Code of Regulation for teachers. This approach and open door policy has set a precedent in the participation and sharing of views and opinions by the leadership and members. The Union has participated extensively in the new curriculum formulation, piloting and implementation and the demand for more teachers has been put at the forefront.
As a stakeholder in the education and labor sector, KUPPET has been given recognition and subsequent representation both at local and at international level. In the education sector, KUPPET has a representation in the Consultative Committee for Terms and Condition of teachers (CCTC) pursuant to TSC Act, at NHIF courtesy of COTU (KENYA) nomination, The General Secretary is also a board member of Africa Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA)-representing Teacher Unions in Africa, Education International (E I) among other international bodies.
The Media find it incomplete to do any reporting without getting the position of KUPPET in all Education matters affecting our nation. This has propagated the idea that teacher’s representation cannot be restricted to a single union.
There is an established gratuity management scheme by reputable insurance firms for full time employees of the Union. All members enjoy BBF facilities based on the retention of Ksh. Per member.
Many financial institutions have given the Union recognition and members seeking credit facilities are privileged from the status of the Union. Some of the institutions include CFCStanbic, Equity bank and Mwalimu National Sacco. Currently the Union is a major stakeholder of Mwalimu National Sacco.
KUPPET was formed to represent the interest of teachers in post primary institutions. In 2011, the Union forced the government to hire 18,060 interns on permanent and pensionable terms of service. In 2012, KUPPET fronted the idea of harmonization of salaries and allowances through a strike for both civil servants and teachers. In 2013, through an industrial action, the government gave in to the demands of KUPPET and commuter allowance, Special school allowance and reader’s allowance were increased. The Union achieved more when it registered its Collective Bargaining Agreements on 21st June 2016 and 30th October 2016
It takes unity of purpose for the delegates and national officials to agree on amendments for the constitution. Since its registration as a trade union, KUPPET successfully amended various clauses in its constitution reducing ambiguities in the Union operations.
Corporate social responsibility has an impact to the social welfare and this promotes change in the society. KUPPET national office has sponsored secondary school games at the national level. At the county level, the branches sponsor various educational activities.
The Union has acquired a van while branches are purchasing buses which are used in various activities. This is a milestone as no movable assets had been acquired since the establishment of KUPPET. The national office and branches are at an advanced level of land acquisition on behalf of members through own investment companies. In 2018, KUPPET will acquire new offices for its Head offices dubbed KUPPET CENTRE at a cost of ksh50 Million.
In the history of trade union movement in Kenya, KUPPET has been the first in the education sector to register a collective bargaining agreement in the industrial court. Non-Union members will be surcharged for enjoying the benefits from the negotiations that KUPPET succeeded. This is currently at the Ministry of Labour awaiting approval.
As more the number of members increase, the Union is in the process of adding more branches namely Samburu, Wajir, Marsabit and Turkana branches.
The process of demarcation for teachers to belong in KUPPET is being finalized. This will end the conflict in the education sector on the representation of teachers in the Trade Unions.
Request Our Services
To request or inquire any details of KUPPET Kenya, please click the button below and fill in form.
