The Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) on Tuesday distanced itself from the alleged irregularities surrounding the Metropolitan National Sacco Limited.
The commission also emphasized that it only effects stoppage of deductions upon application.
While appearing before the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism, TSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Macharia responded to a Statement sought by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli regarding the sustained deductions by the Metropolitan National Sacco Society despite instructions from the Commission,
She informed senators that Metropolitan Sacco was required to forward stop orders to the Commission not later than seven days from the date of clearance by the employee.
Macharia clarified that the TSC only halts monthly deductions for teachers without Sacco loan liabilities. She stated that deductions for over 1,000 teachers from Bungoma County had been stopped procedurally.
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“Monthly deductions for 1,165 teachers from Bungoma County in favor of Metropolitan Sacco have been stopped,” the CEO explained.
“Only 181 teachers are members of the Sacco from Bungoma County and TSC is yet to receive any complaint letters from them requesting for stoppage of the said Sacco contributions.”
Members present during the proceedings
The Committee was chaired by Senator Lenku Seki and other committee members.
The members faulted Metropolitan Sacco’s management for not promptly forwarding stop orders to the Commission.
They resolved to further probe the matter to ensure affected teachers get justice.
Other senators present at the meeting include Vice-chairperson Sen Esther Okenyuri, Sen Jackson Mandago and Sen (Dr) Steve Lelegwe.
Others included Sen Betty Montet, Sen Okiya Omtatah and Sen Crystal Asige while Sen David Wakoli appeared as a friend of the Committee.
Also present was the management of Metropolitan Sacco. The meeting resolved to postpone discussions pending their submission of necessary documents.
Senate accuses TSC for irregularities
In November 2023, the Senate Committee on Trade and Tourism had asked TSC to stop remitting money to the Metropolitan Sacco from members who had pulled out of it.
Okiya Omutatah requested the commission’s boss Nancy Macharia to also stop all deductions to the Metropolitan sacco from teachers who had written to her that they had withdrawn from the institution.
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“Why continue remitting money of teachers to a savings Sacco after they have pulled out,” Omutatah paused.
While addressing Bungoma teachers who had been affected by the Sacco, Omtatah stated that the Senate was to summon the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Simon Chelugui and TSC boss.
The committee had assured the affected teachers that they would protect all the properties belonging to Kenyans.