The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has withdrawn August payslips from its online portal following widespread complaints from teachers. The move comes after numerous errors were identified on the payslips, sparking a public outcry.
Among the grievances were discrepancies in figures and the failure of the TSC to deduct and remit union dues for the month of August. The deduction issue is a key point of concern for the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), who have been at the forefront of calls for the remittance of these dues.
Teachers argue that the remittance of union dues serves as their last line of hope amid the ongoing tensions between the union and the government. “We depend on the unions to champion our rights. Without their funding, it is a blow to the support we desperately need,” remarked one teacher.
This development comes as KUPPET intensifies its push for a nationwide strike, threatening to disrupt learning in secondary schools across the country. The union, which has been demanding better pay and improved working conditions for teachers, has seen growing momentum for its strike action.
Union officials expressed frustration over TSC’s actions, accusing the commission of ignoring agreements and undermining the welfare of teachers. “This failure to remit dues is a deliberate move to weaken our union,” said a senior KUPPET official.
The TSC is yet to issue a formal statement regarding the reasons behind the errors or the union deductions, further fuelling anger among teachers. With the strike gaining momentum, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, but for now, tensions between teachers and their employer appear to be at an all-time high.
Education stakeholders are watching the situation closely, as any prolonged disruption could have serious implications for the school calendar and students’ learning outcomes. The union has warned that without immediate intervention, industrial action is inevitable.
