NAIROBI, Kenya- With the KUPPET elections set for February 7, 2026, teacher union aspirants in Embu County have criticized the current leadership for neglecting teachers’ needs over the past three years and vowed to bring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity if elected.
Speaking in Embu town while submitting their nomination papers at the Branch offices, the aspirants highlighted concerns about long-serving leaders occupying key union positions despite having retired from active teaching.
Paul Njeru Njagi, popularly known as “Gacagi”, vying for the position of Executive Secretary, Embu County, called on the current leadership to step aside.
“The current Executive Secretary has served in the union for over 20 years. He is already over 60 and retired from teaching. It is time to allow serving teachers to take the lead. He has had ample time to address the issues affecting Embu teachers, but many concerns remain unresolved,” he said.
Njeru highlighted several pressing issues driving the aspirants’ campaign, including the lack of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) over the past three years, poor health services for teachers, and mismanagement of the Burial Benevolent Fund (BBVF).
He further noted that in some cases, representatives serving teachers were not actual teachers, and many members had to queue for hours in hospitals to access medical services.
“Some leaders have been exploiting loopholes to extend their tenure in the union, sidelining the actual teachers. We are calling for accountability and proper representation,” Njeru added.
Njeru further called on stakeholders and the Teachers’ Service Commission to oversee the elections, emphasizing the need for free, fair, and transparent voting.
He warned against attempts to rig the elections, noting that in previous polls, non-teachers were allegedly brought in to vote.
“We shall guard our votes by all means. Teachers deserve leaders who serve their interests, not extend personal tenures,” Njeru affirmed.
Alvin Munene, aspiring for Treasurer, Embu County, promised to enhance financial transparency if elected.
“Teachers will receive monthly financial reports detailing how their contributions to Embu KUPPET are utilized, including the BBVF Fund. Accountability will be at the core of our leadership,” he said.
On her part, Salome Syombua Ivuke, who is seeking the Gender Secretary position, called for inclusivity in addressing gender and youth issues.
“Current gender programs focus only on female teachers, neglecting male teachers, youth, and teachers with disabilities. If elected, I will ensure all members are represented equally, and their concerns addressed.” Syombua said.
The aspirants’ campaign underscores a broader call for renewed leadership, accountability, and inclusivity in Embu KUPPET, as teachers prepare to exercise their democratic right in February.
