KUPPET Demands Refund for Illegal Housing Levy Deductions from Teachers’ Pay

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is demanding the refund of the housing levy deducted from teachers’ January pay. KUPPET Secretary General, Akelo Misori, criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for claiming that the deductions were due to an already prepared payroll, emphasizing that delays in payroll have occurred in the past for smaller issues. Despite clear court orders declaring the housing levy illegal and unconstitutional, Misori noted that many teachers’ payslips indicated the deduction had taken place. KUPPET is seeking immediate release of the housing deductions and an assurance from TSC to comply with court orders in the future.

Misori highlighted that the court ruling came in time for TSC to adjust the payroll accordingly, suggesting that the commission’s decision to deduct the illegal levy indicated a willingness to disobey the law. KUPPET is urging the government to take necessary measures to protect teachers’ earnings and benefits, and they are prepared to take legal action, including contempt proceedings against TSC personnel, over the matter of the housing levy tax. In the face of economic difficulties, Misori expressed disappointment that a responsible employer would make illegal deductions from employees’ pay, emphasizing that the union never supported the Finance Bill 2023, which caused public outcry in Kenya.