Relief for Teachers as KUPPET SG Akelo Misori Demands that TSC Halt Irregular Salary Deductions

• Teachers raised the alarm over unexpected salary deductions, prompting union officials to demand immediate action and clarity from the Teachers Service Commission
• KUPPET boss Akelo Misori intervened after mounting pressure, instructing the TSC to halt further deductions, while explaining the reasons why the action was unjust
• Questions emerged over who authorised the deductions without the union's knowledge, which were reportedly supposed to run for six months

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) has broken its silence following widespread outrage from teachers over unauthorised deductions from their July salaries.

Teachers across the country had raised the alarm after discovering unexplained deductions labelled ‘SWaL-KUPPET Union’ on their payslips.

The deductions came in the wake of the recent salary increment under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) implementation, sparking backlash and demands for accountability.

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Teachers demanded the immediate reversal of the deductions, an explanation, and clarification on who authorised the move, especially since the union had reportedly cleared all arrears owed to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Following growing pressure, KUPPET has now urged the TSC to stop the deductions immediately, saying the commission failed to act in line with a previously agreed return-to-work formula signed on September 5, 2024, after the industrial action held between August and October 2024.

Why was it unfair to deduct teachers' salaries?

In a statement issued by KUPPET secretary-general Akelo Misori, the union said TSC was expected to effect the salary deductions immediately after the return-to-work consent agreement was reached.

The formula allowed for the remittance of all dues to third parties and barred any form of victimisation against striking teachers or the union.

“Regrettably, TSC reneged on these provisions and instead failed to remit union dues for three months, effectively punishing the union,” said Misori.

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He added that the recent deductions were likely an attempt by TSC to fulfil its delayed statutory obligations, but insisted the action was ill-timed and done without communication, resulting in widespread confusion and distress among teachers.

“KUPPET is satisfied that TSC has now fulfilled its duty and has requested the commission to stop the deductions forthwith so that the matter can be marked as resolved,” Misori stated.

Was KUPPET aware of the deductions?

Another union official revealed that they were equally surprised by the deductions and questioned who sanctioned them without informing either the national or branch leadership.

Misori acknowledged that both national and regional KUPPET offices had been grappling with financial constraints since the strike due to TSC’s failure to remit dues, forcing painful budgetary decisions.

"During and since the strike, KUPPET officials at the national and branch levels have made painful decisions to cope with the cash crunch that the union was plunged into by the commission's failure to discharge its statutory duties," he disclosed.

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Reportedly, the deductions were to run for six months.

Ruto counters Mbadi, defends education funding

In other news, President William Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting the education sector.

Ruto said the government remains committed to delivering free and quality education. He cited increased funding to universities and the hiring of over 70,000 teachers, with plans to recruit 24,000 more by 2025.

The statement came days after Treasury CS John Mbadi raised concerns over the sustainability of free secondary education. He ignited national uproar after announcing that the government would reduce school capitation by KSh 5,344 per student.

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

Source: TUKO.co.ke