- Women candidates secured key leadership positions during the ongoing KUPPET branch by-elections across several counties.
- New leaders pledged to champion teachers’ welfare, professionalism and accountable union leadership.
- The elections signal growing women’s representation in the leadership of the teachers’ union.
Women leaders have recorded significant gains in the ongoing Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch by-elections after winning key leadership positions in several counties.
The elections, held in different parts of the country, saw women elected to influential union offices as delegates voted to fill vacant positions following the recent national KUPPET elections.
In Kericho County, Clarah Chebet was elected KUPPET Branch Executive Secretary during a by-election held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium.
Chebet, who previously served as the branch Vice Chairperson, resigned from her position to contest the Executive Secretary seat.
She succeeds Mary Rotich, who vacated the office after being elected KUPPET National Vice Treasurer during the union’s national elections.
Speaking after her victory, Chebet thanked teachers for the confidence they had shown in her leadership.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust that Kericho teachers have placed in me. This victory is not mine alone but belongs to all teachers who believe in accountable, transparent and service-oriented leadership. My priority will be to strengthen members’ welfare, defend teachers’ rights and ensure their voices are heard at every level of decision-making,” she said.
Chebet also pledged to work closely with other branch officials to strengthen unity within the union and address professional and workplace challenges affecting teachers.
More women elected
In Lamu County, Christine Agutu was elected KUPPET Branch Treasurer during elections held at Lake Kenyatta Secondary School.
Her victory adds to the growing number of women assuming leadership positions within the teachers’ union.
Meanwhile, in Laikipia County, Hellen Gathoni was elected Branch Executive Secretary following polls conducted at Wiyumiririe Secondary School.
Delegates described her election as another important milestone in advancing women’s leadership within KUPPET.
Mercy Jebichii Ngelechei was also elected Assistant Secretary for Gender, further strengthening women’s representation in the union’s leadership structures.
The by-elections reflect a growing trend of increased participation and success of women in trade union leadership.
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Delegates expressed confidence that the newly elected officials would champion teachers’ welfare, promote professionalism and strengthen KUPPET’s role in addressing issues affecting educators across the country.
By Jeff Kirui
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