Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) campaigns have gained momentum in Bungoma as the race for new branch leadership enters a decisive phase. With elections scheduled for January 24, 2026, aspirants are crisscrossing the county, engaging teachers and sparking debate over representation, service delivery, and the union’s future direction. Many teachers say the stakes are high, citing long-standing challenges that they feel have been inadequately addressed.
At the centre of the contest is current KUPPET Bungoma Chairman David Barasa, who is seeking to unseat long-serving Executive Secretary Augustine Luketelo, a former Bumula parliamentary aspirant. Submitting his nomination papers at the union’s offices, Barasa accused the current leadership of presiding over years of stagnation, urging teachers to embrace what he calls a long-overdue wave of reform.
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Barasa, leading a faction branded ‘Team Change’, described the moment as historic, asserting that the union was witnessing a rare turning point after nearly two decades of stalled leadership. He expressed confidence of victory, insisting he would defeat Luketelo “hands down” as teachers seek fresh, responsive leadership.
Interactions with teachers across Bungoma, Barasa said, revealed deep-seated grievances. Key concerns include stagnation in job groups due to weakly enforced Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), inadequate access to quality healthcare, rising stress and mental health challenges linked to harsh working conditions, and demands for greater autonomy in union decision-making. He further highlighted the urgent need to revamp branch infrastructure to enhance service delivery.
Barasa also criticized the current KUPPET office and union bus, describing both as overstretched and inadequate for the growing teaching workforce. If elected, he pledged to spearhead the establishment of a modern KUPPET Centre to accommodate branch officials, provide adequate space for consultations, and improve member support and service delivery.
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The reformist camp has also drawn strong support from young teachers. Linda Wekesa, aspiring for Assistant Gender 3, applauded the groundswell behind ‘Team Change’, saying the group represents accountability, growth, and a renewed agenda for Junior Secondary School teachers. She urged colleagues to turn out in large numbers and demonstrate that the future of union leadership lies with the younger generation.
The full Team Change lineup includes: Executive Secretary aspirant David Barasa, Chairman David Chemosit, Vice Chairman Peter Lutukayi, Assistant Executive Secretary Ferdinand Wamalwa, Treasurer Faith Wafula, Vice Treasurer Cynthia Malaba, Organizing Secretary Ashton Mukoche, Secretary Gender Ann Nabutola, Assistant Secretary Gender 1 Hilda Wanyama, Assistant Secretary Gender 2 Chrisantus Waswa, Assistant Gender 3 Linda Wekesa, Secretary Secondary Rodgers Khayota, and Secretary Junior Secondary Emmanuel Walela.
As campaigns intensify across Bungoma, the union branch is bracing for a fierce leadership battle, with teachers closely watching how the vote could redefine accountability, service delivery, and the future trajectory of KUPPET in the county.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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