Ken Boro, a long-serving teacher and aspirant for the Migori Branch Executive Secretary position in the upcoming Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) elections, has issued a strong call for reforms in the education sector and union leadership.

Mr Boro, who narrowly lost in the last election to incumbent Orwa Jasolo, is making a renewed bid to restore credibility, transparency, and focus to the union’s role in advocating for teachers.

In an exclusive interview with the press in Migori, Boro raised deep concerns about the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), capitation delays, infrastructural shortfalls, and the integrity of union elections.

Boro also highlighted several ongoing intrigues currently facing the education sector, including issues with the current union leadership, systemic failures in the education system, and the government’s handling of critical educational reforms.

Intrigues Facing the Education Sector

The education sector in Kenya is currently embroiled in a number of challenges that have caused unrest among teachers, parents, and stakeholders. Chief among these is the ongoing transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

While the government has pushed for the full implementation of CBC, significant logistical challenges persist. These include delays in the development and approval of necessary textbooks, shortages of trained personnel, and inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the new curriculum’s demands.

“We are not ready. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has asked teachers to begin developing Grade 9 textbooks by May, yet no textbooks have been approved. The assumption that shifting one cohort frees up classrooms for another is misleading,” Boro stated. “Technical and science subjects require well-equipped laboratories and more space. A single-stream school under 8-4-4 cannot meet the demands of CBC.”

Furthermore, Boro raised concerns about the financial challenges schools are facing due to government delays in capitation funds, which have impacted bursary allocations and left many parents struggling to pay school fees. He emphasized that the government must act swiftly to ensure proper disbursement of funds to prevent further strain on parents and schools.

“Schools are under pressure. In some cases, principals are forced to overcharge parents to fill the funding gap. This opens the door to corruption. The government must speak clearly to parents and educators on its plans,” Boro stated.

Union Reforms and Election Integrity

Turning to union matters, Boro criticized the current state of KUPPET, calling the last election process in Migori “a sham” due to ballot stuffing and mismanagement, which he said mirrored irregularities that led to suspensions in Homa Bay.

“Teachers pay a lot in union dues. It is unacceptable for nomination fees to be raised arbitrarily. Asking for KSh 200,000 from teachers to vie for office makes no sense. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be involved to raise the standard of these elections,” he said.

Boro expressed frustration at being struck off the register during the last election despite being a legitimate candidate and KUPPET member since 2008.

“It’s easier to contest for the presidency of Kenya than to run for a union seat. Teachers deserve a credible process. I had served for over five years in an elective role. Now, once you lose, you’re locked out completely. This system shuts out fresh leadership.”

He also challenged the union’s silence on supplementary health insurance challenges and its failure to negotiate effectively with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), alleging that some National Executive Board (NEB) members are ineligible to serve.

“Some NEB members are retired, off the TSC payroll, or even sitting politicians. How can they negotiate for teachers? The union has neglected its role while teachers continue to suffer.”

On Promotions and Grading

Boro further criticized the current promotion process, citing lack of fairness and transparency.

“We have teachers stagnating for years while others are double-promoted through opaque systems. The last promotion advert targeted 19,000 posts, but the final list had 26,000. Where did the extra 6,000 come from? We need a proper audit of the payroll and promotion process,” he urged.

He rejected the current practice of mandatory interviews for promotions, saying:

“Why interview a teacher for a promotion when performance evaluation mechanisms already exist? Interviews have become an avenue for corruption.”

Boro called for harmonized grading across civil service cadres, noting that many teachers recruited in 2016–2017 have been left behind. He called for structural reform to restore professionalism and morale.

“We need reforms that respect merit, service, and dignity. Teachers are watching their students rise to become their bosses because promotion structures are broken. We need fresh blood in union leadership.”

A Call for Support

Boro concluded by urging teachers to support reform-minded candidates in the upcoming KUPPET elections.

“It’s time to restore credibility to our union. Let’s put forward leaders who serve with integrity, transparency, and commitment to teachers’ welfare. I am ready to serve, and I call on all teachers to join me in reclaiming KUPPET for the benefit of the profession.”