Teachers are expressing their discontent after the government deducted housing levy funds from their salaries in February, despite a court ban on the matter.
On Wednesday, February 28, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (KUPPET) sounded the alarm over the government's decision to proceed with salary deductions, despite previous assurances that there would be none.
According to KUPPET's Deputy Secretary-General, Moses Nthurima, the government had previously assured teachers that deductions made in January would be refunded.
He elaborated that the teachers had sent a letter demanding the refunds to which they received a response that no more deductions would be made.
However, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) responded, explaining that the deductions made in January were a result of the already prepared monthly payroll.
KUPPET also stated that the commission had promised to refund the funds in February, a promise they did not fulfill.
The Union also alleges that the TSC instead of reinstating their fees deducted more, even though the Court of Appeal declined to lift orders that had barred the levy declaring it unconstitutional.
Further, the teacher’s union notes that the TSC is infringing their rights with their deductions, after the court declared the levy unconstitutional.
Additionally, they demand a refund of all the funds deducted from them since the Housing levy was instituted.
They also accused the commission of endearing itself to the government for a reason that is unknown to them.
KUPPET stated that the commission should be independent as they create their budgets and are allocated funds from the Treasury.
The housing levy fund, however, was given a green light by the National assembly with the majority of the Members of Parliament supporting the levy.
Currently, the bill is awaiting tabling in the Senate, a move which will see it come into law if passed.
