KUPPET on the Spot as Teachers Protest Unlawful July Salary Deductions: "We Demand Explanation"

• Several grassroots KUPPET officials have expressed frustration after the union deducted their July salaries despite having no arrears
• Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, a KUPPET official confirmed the deductions and assured that the issue would be addressed promptly in a planned meeting
• The assistant executive secretary of KUPPET Homa Bay also weighed in on the matter and urged the union to rectify the situation and restore members’ confidence

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is under fire from its members following complaints of unauthorised and unjustifiable deductions from July salaries.

Teachers across the country have expressed outrage over a deduction labelled 'SWaL-KUPPET Union' which appeared on their payslips without prior communication or consent.

How did teachers react to SWaL-KUPPET Union deductions?

In a letter addressed to the KUPPET national leadership, the West Pokot branch described the deductions as a betrayal, especially at a time when teachers are grappling with harsh economic realities.

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The letter, signed by branch executive secretary Alfred Kamuto, termed the deductions 'unlawful and unjustifiable,' demanding immediate stoppage and a full refund to all affected teachers.

“This unauthorised deduction comes at a time when our members are going through hard economic times and were hopeful that the recently concluded CBA would bring them relief,” the letter read.

KUPPET West Pokot also clarified that all accrued debts for the period January to April 2025 had been fully paid, countering any justification for the deductions.

Meanwhile, the KUPPET Nyeri branch echoed similar frustrations, stating that the meagre salary increments recently awarded to teachers should not be subjected to any further deductions—especially by a union mandated to protect their interests.

The branch questioned whether the deductions were meant to recover arrears from the recent strike period, noting that branches had already adjusted to the temporary lapse in remittance.

“The branches are now on a path to full recovery. That deduction is therefore unwarranted,” the Nyeri letter stated, urging an immediate refund.

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In addition, Nyeri officials raised concern over the apparent omission of the usual July annual increment.

“It is quite unfortunate that teachers—and indeed the entire education fraternity—must endure such financial strain. The recent reduction in school capitation, inaccessibility of HELB funds by students, and now these deductions are unacceptable,” the letter added.

Nakuru officials also weighed in. They stated that many teachers were shocked to discover fresh deductions that had not been explained or communicated.

“We were awakened to a problem in teachers' pay slips. Teachers were expecting to smile to the bank due to the CBA increment,” they said. “Unfortunately, a new deduction called KUPPET SWaL has appeared, and teachers are stressed and distressed. We are clueless about this.”

The officials demanded that the KUPPET National Executive Board (NEB) act with urgency to clarify the nature of the deduction and immediately direct the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to remove it from all payslips across the country.

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What are teachers demanding from KUPPET?

The branches further demanded:

• Immediate halt of the deductions.
• Prompt refunds to all affected teachers.
• An explanation of what the deductions mean.
• A full investigation into the origin of the deductions and disciplinary action against those involved.
• A public apology to teachers.
• Clarification on the 2025–2029 CBA, noting that the realised increment of KSh 100–800 was unacceptable.

When will KUPPET address teachers on SWaL-KUPPET issue?

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke on condition of anonymity, a KUPPET official admitted the deductions and confirmed that the National Executive Board (NEB) was to convene a meeting on Wednesday, July 30, to address the growing unrest.

The meeting, allegedly confirmed by the National Secretary for Secondary Education, was expected to deliberate on the source and justification of the deductions.

“Given the recent concerns and deductions affecting teachers, this meeting is crucial in addressing the key issues impacting our profession. We urge members to exercise caution and patience as we await the NEB’s outcome," the statement read.

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The official added that the union leadership is committed to ensuring transparency and safeguarding the welfare of teachers.

"We will continue engaging with the national leadership and will keep members updated on the meeting's outcome."

Were KUPPET representatives aware of SWaL-KUPPET deductions?

Homa Bay County KUPPET assistant secretary, Peter Dherok, also expressed concern over the deduction, stating that most delegates were caught off guard.

“The deductions on teachers' payslips have left many of us surprised. As representatives, we were not adequately informed about their implication. While union leaders may have their interpretations, our duty remains to serve teachers. We demand transparency and accountability from our leadership," he told TUKO.co.ke.

Dherok confirmed that the deductions align with a 1.8% union subscription on the basic salary but insisted that clarity and communication were lacking.

He emphasised that the upcoming NEB meeting presents a vital opportunity for the union to rectify the situation and restore confidence among its membership.

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“We hope the leadership will make decisions that favour teachers,” he added.

As pressure mounts, teachers nationwide now look to KUPPET’s national leadership for answers and decisive action.

Why did schools close early?

Meanwhile, public schools across Kenya have closed one week earlier than scheduled due to delays in the disbursement of government funds, disrupting the academic calendar and raising concerns over the readiness of candidates sitting national examinations.

According to the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), many schools shut their doors last week, with the remaining institutions expected to close by Wednesday, July 30.

The delay in releasing education funds severely affected schools' ability to run essential operations during the second term—widely considered a critical period for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) preparations.

Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi warned that the government may withdraw support for the free primary education programme, terming the initiative unsustainable under current economic constraints.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke