Makueni Teachers Celebrate the Victory of Justus Kimeu as the Branch Executive Secretary. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Teachers in Makueni County have voted overwhelmingly for continuity after re-electing Justus Kimeu as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Makueni Branch Executive Secretary, reaffirming their confidence in his long-serving leadership.
Kimeu secured 2,018 votes to defeat his challenger Juma Mbweli, who garnered 783 votes, handing the incumbent a decisive victory that will see him serve a seventh term at the helm of the branch. The results reflected a clear endorsement by teachers who, according to Kimeu, chose stability over uncertainty and declined to disrupt a system they believe has been delivering for them.
Addressing jubilant supporters immediately after his declaration, Kimeu described the day as a special moment for Makueni teachers, saying the outcome demonstrated their trust in a leadership team that has consistently stood with them. He thanked teachers for returning him to office and pledged to remain accessible, visible, and responsive to their needs.
He promised that the union would continue being present wherever teachers are, attend all functions involving educators, and work towards ensuring a conducive working environment across the county. Kimeu assured members that the union would face challenges collectively, maintaining peace where dialogue prevails while firmly speaking out whenever teachers are mistreated.
Kimeu used his victory speech to draw attention to the mounting challenges facing teachers, particularly the heavy deductions on their payslips, which he said are eroding morale and diminishing the dignity of the profession. He called on the government to immediately stop the housing levy and halt what he termed as double medical insurance deductions, urging an end to excessive statutory charges that leave teachers with little to take home.
He further demanded the urgent resolution of a pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), an end to teacher stagnation, and a comprehensive review of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), noting that such a review had been promised by President William Ruto. Kimeu said these issues must be addressed without delay once the national KUPPET office is fully constituted.
Beyond the executive secretary’s race, the elections produced a largely settled leadership team, with several officials elected unopposed, underscoring unity and confidence within the branch. Erustus Kimetu was re-elected chairman unopposed, while Nicholas Mukula retained the vice-chairman position without contest. Festus Muthoka was elected assistant executive secretary unopposed, and Peter Malonza secured the assistant treasurer position unchallenged.
In the race for branch treasurer, Cosmas Muteti emerged victorious with 2,110 votes, defeating Shadrach Kiema, who garnered 600 votes. The branch secretary for secondary schools position was won by Francis Kimiti, who received 2,183 votes against Geoffrey Nzau’s 622 votes. Bonface Kivunge was elected branch secretary for tertiary institutions unopposed, while Peter Kioko also sailed through unopposed as branch organising secretary.
The gender docket attracted stiff competition, with Janet Mbatha winning the branch gender secretary position after securing 1,945 votes, ahead of Grace Nduku, who garnered 857 votes. Evans Kisoi was elected branch secretary for junior secondary schools unopposed.
In the contest for first assistant secretary in charge of gender, Mercy Mwende Muthoka triumphed with 2,227 votes, defeating Immaculate Mwende Mulai, who received 577 votes. Clare Munyao was elected second assistant secretary representing persons with disabilities unopposed, while Florence Muendo clinched the third assistant secretary gender position with 2,105 votes, ahead of Sharon Nduku Muteti, who managed 684 votes.
With the elections concluded, Kimeu and his team now turn their focus to engaging the national union leadership and the government to push for reforms aimed at easing teachers’ financial burdens, improving working conditions, and safeguarding the welfare and dignity of educators across Makueni County.
