The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has received a major legal boost after the Employment and Labour Relations Court cleared the union to implement its new Constitution fully.
This brings to an end the months of uncertainty and internal contestation.
The court struck out all cases filed nationwide, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The cases ad challenge filed to challenge the legality of the new Constitution, enacted by union delegates in December 2024.
The decision effectively gives KUPPET the legal green light to proceed with preparations for its 2026 general elections under the new governance framework.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, announcing the verdict, said the court’s decision marked the end of all legal hurdles to the union’s constitutional reforms.
“Today, the Employment and Labour Relations Court has issued the final green light for KUPPET to implement the new union Constitution,” Misori stated.
Justice Nduma Nderi, who presided over the matter, found that the applications lodged against the Constitution lacked substance. According to Misori, “the judge found the prayers sought in all the cases to be lacking in merit and dismissed them all,” a ruling that now allows the Constitution to take full effect.
The union leadership has instructed members and aspirants to strictly adhere to the new electoral framework.
Misori emphasised that the ruling has direct implications for the forthcoming internal polls.
“The union’s preparations for the 2026 elections, in particular the guidelines contained in the election Notice, should be followed to the letter,” he said.
READ ALSO:
Kerugoya top pupil dreams of becoming pilot after inspiration from Kenya Airways captain
The ruling comes at a critical time as KUPPET finalises arrangements for its 27th Annual Delegates Conference, scheduled to take place at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay.
In his message to members, Misori extended his best wishes to delegates travelling to the conference, saying, “On behalf of the National Executive Board, I wish you safe travel to the 27th Annual Delegates Conference.”
He concluded his address with a message of unity and reassurance to teachers countrywide, declaring, “May God bless you all. May God bless KUPPET. May God bless the teachers of Kenya.”
Union officials say the court decision not only affirms the authority of the delegates who passed the Constitution but also stabilises the organisation ahead of a politically sensitive election cycle within the union.
The legal disputes arose after a section of union members and rival factions challenged the adoption of KUPPET’s new Constitution, passed at the December 2024 Delegates Conference.
The petitioners argued that the process violated internal procedures, failed to provide adequate consultation, and unfairly altered governance structures and eligibility requirements for union leadership positions.
Some challengers claimed the new Constitution favoured specific incumbents and potentially locked out aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 elections. Others raised concerns over representation, branch powers, and changes to the electoral college system.
These grievances led to multiple cases being filed in different courts across the country, all seeking to suspend or nullify the implementation of the new Constitution.
Today’s ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court brings those challenges to an end, conclusively affirming the legality of the constitutional reforms.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
