Unions in Trouble: Teachers Plot Bold Breakaway from KNUT and KUPPET

Kenya’s teacher union landscape—historically dominated by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)—is facing its biggest shake-up in decades.

Barely weeks after news broke that the United Teachers Front (UTF) is in the process of formation, another group of educators from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) has begun formal steps to register their own specialized union.

If successful, these new players could dismantle the long-standing duopoly, introduce fresh bargaining voices, and intensify competition for teacher membership, representation, and influence.

The Current Union Power Structure in Kenya

For decades, KNUT and KUPPET have been the most influential voices for teachers:

• KNUT – Founded in 1957, it represents a wide base of primary school teachers across the country.
• KUPPET – Established in the 1990s, it advocates for post-primary and secondary school educators.

Both unions have historically negotiated salaries, allowances, and workplace benefits for teachers. But in recent years, cracks have appeared—especially among educators in remote and hardship areas—who accuse the unions of slow responses, political entanglement, and neglect of grassroots issues.

The United Teachers Front (UTF): Breaking the Duopoly?

The United Teachers Front is positioning itself as a bold alternative to KNUT and KUPPET. While details about its leadership and constitution remain under wraps, early indications suggest UTF’s mission is to:

• Provide transparent, member-driven leadership.
• Focus on grassroots concerns rather than political alliances.
• Represent teachers across both primary and secondary levels.

Related Reading:
For a full breakdown of UTF’s formation and objectives, check out our article “United Teachers Front (UTF) — Breaking the KNUT–KUPPET Duopoly in Kenya’s Teacher Unions”.

UTF’s emergence alone could split memberships, dilute collective bargaining power, and force the established unions to rethink their engagement strategies.

ASAL Teachers Push for Their Own Union – KUAT

In an even more targeted move, teachers from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands are working to register the Kenya Union for ASAL Teachers (KUAT). This specialized union aims to give constitutional bargaining power to educators working in some of Kenya’s toughest teaching environments.

Why ASAL Teachers Want Their Own Union

Educators in hardship counties like Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa face unique challenges:

1. Harsh working conditions – Extreme weather, insecurity, and poor transport infrastructure.
2. Delayed promotions – Eligible teachers often excluded from advancement.
3. Under-resourced schools – Lack of textbooks, technology, and basic facilities.
4. Ignored grievances – Issues overshadowed by urban-centric union negotiations.

KETHAWA’s Role as a Precursor

Before the KUAT movement, ASAL teachers had organized under the Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KETHAWA), which has been vocal in:

• Supporting relevant teacher strikes.
• Filing legal cases, such as the May 2025 petition to reinstate 1,864 hardship-zone teachers excluded from promotions.
• Advocating for equitable resource allocation to marginalized schools.

KETHAWA’s activism now appears to be evolving into a push for full union status, giving ASAL teachers stronger legal standing in collective bargaining.

A Growing Trend: Specialized Teacher Unions

If KUAT is recognized, it will join the ranks of specialized teacher unions such as the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET)—created after special needs teachers felt sidelined by KNUT and KUPPET.

This trend reflects a bigger shift in Kenya’s labor movement:

• Teachers are seeking niche representation tailored to their specific needs.
• General unions risk losing influence if they fail to adapt to changing realities.

The Threat to KNUT and KUPPET

The rise of UTF and KUAT presents significant challenges to the two biggest teacher unions:

1. Membership loss – Fewer subscriptions mean reduced financial strength.
2. Weakened bargaining power – Multiple unions may dilute negotiation leverage.
3. Political pressure – KNUT and KUPPET will need to reconnect with grassroots members.
4. Competitive disruption – New unions could shift the balance in TSC negotiations.

What’s Next for UTF and KUAT?

Both unions must overcome similar hurdles:

• Secure official registration under Kenya’s strict union laws.
• Reach the minimum membership thresholds for Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recognition.
• Mobilize and retain active membership support.

KUAT, in particular, will face logistical challenges due to the geographical spread of ASAL counties and will need to clearly define its relationship with KETHAWA.

The Bigger Picture: Teacher Union Pluralism in Kenya

Kenya could be entering an era of union pluralism—where specialized and general unions operate side by side. While this could bring more tailored advocacy, it also risks creating a fragmented teacher voice that the TSC could exploit during national negotiations.

The ultimate challenge will be to balance specialized representation with the unity needed to secure favorable nationwide agreements.

Final Word

The looming rise of UTF and KUAT signals a historic turning point for teacher representation in Kenya. Discontent with KNUT and KUPPET has reached a tipping point, fueling movements for self-representation that could redefine the country’s teacher union landscape.

Whether these new unions thrive will depend on their ability to remain transparent, meet legal requirements, and deliver on promises of stronger, more inclusive advocacy.