KUPPET: Kakamega teachers threaten to boycott 2026 national exams

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Kakamega chapter has threatened to boycott this year's national examination activities. Their concerns include teachers' welfare, payment rates, and interference by MPs in recruitment and promotions. Johnstone Wabute, the branch secretary general, urged other branches to join the boycott unless their demands are addressed.

He warned teachers against participating in the Kenya National Examinations, stating that they should not download any letters for marking. Kuppet youth representative Emanuel Wang'era also called for an increase in payment rates for teachers involved in national examinations, highlighting that the current rates have remained unchanged for too long.

The Kuppet Kakamega chapter secretary general criticized the interference of MPs in teacher recruitment and promotions, warning them against interfering with promotions, as some teachers have been stuck in job groups for over 15 years. He called for an independent recruitment process and left it to the Teachers Service Commission.

Wabute urged Kakamega MPs to stop issuing letters to teachers and allow education authorities to handle employment matters. He emphasized the need for adequate preparation, compensation, and timely payments for teachers involved in examination-related activities.