The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National vice Treasurer Ronald Tonui has officially announced his intention to contest the Secretary General seat, saying that his candidacy is genuine and not an imposed project.
Speaking to newly elected KUPPET Bomet Branch officials in Bomet, Tonui insisted that his candidacy represents a fresh and independent leadership alternative for teachers nationwide.
The former Bomet Central MP, who is also a teacher by profession, argued that the current leadership under incumbent Akello Misori has stagnated.
“The time of Akello Misori at KUPPET is up. He has had his time and has nothing new to offer teachers. That is why I have come in to inject new leadership,” Tonui said.
He emphasised that his drive is rooted in genuine concern for teachers’ welfare rather than political patronage or external influence.
Central to Tonui’s agenda is a call for reopening the recently negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The former legislator claimed that the existing CBA was largely negotiated by Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET), blaming what he described as weak leadership within KUPPET and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
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He alleged that the two unions joined the negotiations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) late and merely endorsed proposals already tabled by KUSNET.
According to Tonui, the negotiated salary increments ranging between Ksh300 and Ksh1, 500 are a mockery to teachers, especially at a time when the government has demonstrated willingness to improve the pay of other public servants.
He expressed confidence that the government would be open to fresh negotiations with KUPPET to secure better salary terms for teachers.
Tonui further argued that teachers remain among the least paid public employees despite their heavy workload and critical role in national development.
He also called for a review of the harmonised promotion framework captured in the CBA, saying it requires urgent reconsideration to ensure fairness and career progression.
The unionist stressed his commitment to structural reforms, particularly the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE).
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“I will fight for the government to implement CBE to create autonomy in Junior Secondary Schools, independent from primary schools, which will, in turn, increase promotion opportunities,” he explained.
Highlighting his experience, Tonui said, “I have the right passion, mental frame, and experience to take KUPPET to the next level.”
The unionist expressed confidence that teachers are ready for alternative leadership that genuinely represents their interests and aspirations.
He also emphasized his independence, stating, “I cannot be a project of anyone. If there are projects, they belong to TSC offices, but they alone cannot deliver for the teachers of this country.”
His remarks signal a push for autonomy and accountability in union leadership.
Tonui’s announcement comes ahead of this year’s national elections, where he plans to formally challenge incumbent KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori.
The Bomet Branch meeting provided him a platform to outline his priorities and rally support from grassroots officials.
He urged teachers nationwide to back his candidacy, saying that change in KUPPET’s national office is inevitable.
“The teachers need alternative leadership. It is time for a new era in KUPPET, and I am ready to lead it,” Tonui said.
By Philip Koech
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