KNUT and KUPPET Clash Over 46,000 Junior Secondary Teachers
A strong battle has emerged between Kenya’s two major teachers’ unions—Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)—over the representation of approximately 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. This escalating conflict centers on union membership, financial stakes, and the broader implications for the education sector.
KNUT contends that JSS teachers, who are currently stationed within primary schools, should fall under its jurisdiction. Secretary-General Collins Oyuu argues that the government’s classification of JSS under the comprehensive school model—which encompasses nursery to Grade 9—places these educators squarely within KNUT’s domain.
Oyuu has accused KUPPET of irregularly enrolling JSS teachers, asserting that such actions undermine KNUT’s membership base and financial stability.
In response, KUPPET maintains that JSS teachers, by virtue of teaching secondary-level content, rightfully belong to its ranks.
KUPPET National Vice Chairman Julius Korir emphasizes that many JSS teachers were previously affiliated with secondary schools and have voluntarily chosen to join KUPPET. He dismisses KNUT’s allegations as unwarranted panic over shifting union dynamics.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) finds itself entangled in this union rivalry. While TSC asserts that union membership is a personal choice for teachers, KNUT has accused the commission of facilitating the transfer of JSS teachers to KUPPET without proper consent.
KNUT has threatened legal action, demanding that TSC cease any further reassignments and respect teachers’ rights to choose their union affiliations. At the heart of this dispute lies significant financial considerations.
Union membership dues constitute a substantial revenue stream, and the addition of 46,000 JSS teachers represents a lucrative opportunity.
KNUT, having previously seen its membership plummet from 187,000 to 12,000, views the inclusion of JSS teachers as a pathway to financial rejuvenation.
Conversely, KUPPET sees the potential to bolster its influence and resources through the integration of these educators.
Caught in the crossfire are the JSS teachers themselves, many of whom are employed on contract terms and face uncertainty regarding their future. Both unions have advocated for the confirmation of these teachers to permanent and pensionable positions.
However, delays in implementation have led to dissatisfaction and feelings of betrayal among the teaching cohort, with some accusing the unions of prioritizing membership numbers over genuine advocacy.
How to confirm KUPPET Membership from the the TSC online Payslip system.
Whereas the onboarding of teachers to union membership by TSC is automatic, sometimes it is advisable that you do it manually. Many teachers are still on the agency list; meaning they are not affiliated to any union.
To confirm your membership in KUPPET follow the following procedure:
Log in to TSC Payslip,
Click My Transaction and then Check Running Transaction Details,
For a KUPPET Member the Ref Account column should show “KUPPET”
For a teacher paying Agency Fee the Ref Account column shows “AGENCY FEE”
How to join KUPPET using Online T-Pay Registration System
1. Log in “TSC ONLINE PAYSLIP”
2. Go to “3RD PARTIES”
3. Click “CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PAYSLIP
4. Click “SELECT CATEGORY”
5. Go to “SWA”
6. Select “COMPANY CATEGORY”
7. Go to “KUPPET UNION DUES”
8. Click “SEND PAYSLIP
(A message “Pay slip for this month has already been sent to KUPPET UNION DUES” will appear).
9. Alert the branch office by sending your Official Name, TSC Number and Name of Institution by SMS to the executive secretary or any elected Branch Executive Committee (BEC) member. The will follow it up with the TSC to ensure that you union membership status is updated.
