The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has dismissed claims circulating online stating that teachers will face salary delays in April, clarifying that the information shared on social media is misleading and not based on official communication.
In response, TSC flagged a post alleging that it had recalled the April payroll to comply with a court order related to the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), resulting in a delay of salary payments until the following week.
According to an exposé by The Standard, KEWOTA, a 2007-registered welfare group for female educators, was allegedly deducting Ksh 200 per month from teachers’ salaries.
In response, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) suspended KEWOTA check-off deductions from female teachers’ payslips, which were scheduled to take effect on April 18.
In a statement dated April 15, the Acting Secretary and Chief Executive of the TSC, Evelyne Mitei, said the decision followed media reports regarding alleged unauthorized salary deductions involving teachers
Court Ruling and Payroll Deductions
The Employment and Labor Relations Court suspended TSC’s earlier decision to stop payroll deductions linked to KEWOTA.
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The court order effectively reinstated the union’s access to the check-off system, allowing it to continue receiving monthly deductions from its members’ salaries.
The dispute arose after TSC moved to stop the deductions, citing concerns about compliance and accountability.
KEWOTA challenged the decision in court, arguing that the move would unfairly affect its operations and membership contributions.
Following the court orders, deductions will proceed until the matter is fully heard and determined.
This required TSC to ensure that its payroll system aligns with the court’s directive, particularly regarding third-party deductions processed through the check-off mechanism.
TSC clarifies Salary Payment Position
In response to the viral claims, TSC emphasized that the court ruling does not affect the payment of teachers’ salaries.
Also Read: TSC Suspends KEWOTA Deductions from Teachers With Immediate Effect
The Commission stated that its mandate includes ensuring timely and accurate remuneration for all teachers on its payroll, and there has been no suspension or withholding of salaries as suggested in the circulating message.
The claim that payroll had been closed on April 16 and later recalled, thereby pushing payments to the following week, has been flagged as misleading.
According to TSC, any internal reviews or adjustments undertaken are part of standard compliance procedures and do not translate into a nationwide delay in salary disbursement.
TSC has urged teachers and the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates.
KEWOTA Rejects Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Nepotism
In a statement on April 16, KEWOTA dismissed the media reports alleging financial impropriety and nepotism, terming the exposé malicious, false, and misleading, saying the claims do not reflect the full and accurate context of the issues raised.
KEWOTA chairperson Modesta Akaki stated that the allegations, including claims of hiring relatives and corruption, are unfounded and amount to deliberate fabrication, noting that the source of the claims had allegedly admitted in writing that the information was unverified and misleading.
“The exposé presents a narrative that is not only misleading but also fails to capture the full and accurate context of the matters discussed,” Akaki said.
Akaki defended KEWOTA’s record, stating that the association has consistently supported the welfare, professional development, and rights of women teachers across Kenya through various programs, including capacity building, mentorship, and advocacy.
