Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) candidates in Baringo are set to begin rigorous campaigns after handing over their nomination papers in readiness for the upcoming elections slated for January 23, 2021.
According to Christopher Kimosop, the acting branch secretary, the office has been receiving nomination forms since Monday and the exercise will continue up to December 16, this month.
Mr. Kimosop while speaking to the press outside his office in Kabarnet town said three candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the chairmanship position while the executive secretary and the treasurer’s positions have also attracted three candidates each.
He expressed optimism that the elections will be successful in order for the branch to get leaders who will be responsible in running and managing activities of the union for the next five years.
“I am delighted that Baringo this time is different in the sense that the polls will be centralized since it will be held at Marigat High School grounds in Marigat Sub County, a move that will allow democracy to grow,” he said.
The acting secretary who successfully secured the post in 2018 after the former office holder Richard Cheserem was elected MCA challenged contestants to maintain civility and sobriety throughout the campaign period and shun activities that are likely to tarnish the good name of the teacher union.
Michael Tuitoek, an aspirant for chairmanship post stated that he is running for the seat because there are gaps he has identified in the office which he said have been overlooked for a long time and wants to fill them, citing Burial and benevolent fund among others.
“Under my chairmanship, I wish to lead a team that will benefit the teachers while they are alive, the matter of Burial Benevolent Fund (BBF) has been overlooked for years,” he said.
Tuitoek who is a physics teacher and long serving Baringo festival secretary said that if elected he will engage with employer so that teachers deployed to insecurity prone zones in the county are considered for risk allowance.
By Benson Kelio/Joshua Kibet
