Teachers’ Union Protests Housing Levy Deduction from Salaries
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has strongly objected to the deduction of the housing levy from teachers’ January pay.
Kuppet secretary general, Akello Misori, revealed that union members across the country shared their pay-slips,
which confirmed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had deducted the housing levy tax from their salaries for January 2024.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, Kuppet is demanding an immediate refund of the deducted amount from the TSC.
Misori stated, “KUPPET demands the immediate release of the illegally deducted taxes to teachers…the orders on the housing tax.”
The union also seeks assurance from the Commission that it will comply with court orders, including those specifically related to the housing tax.
During a press briefing held at the Kuppet headquarters in Nairobi,
Misori emphasized that failure by the TSC to refund the unlawfully deducted funds would result in legal action against the commission for its failure to uphold court orders deeming the tax unconstitutional.
“KUPET demand the immediate release of the illegally deducted taxes to teachers.We have also sought an assurance from the commission that it will obey court orders going forward,”Misuri stated
Misori further criticized the recurring pattern of public authorities selectively adhering to court orders, stating,
“Such action fits in a disturbing pattern where public authorities obey court orders at their own convenience.”
These concerns raised by Misori come on the heels of Saboti Member of Parliament, Caleb Amisi, expressing his frustration to the President for disregarding court orders.
Amisi took to social media, sharing his payslip that clearly indicated the deduction of the housing levy.
In his statement, Amisi addressed President Ruto, urging him to rectify the situation upon his return from Rome, highlighting the urgency of the matter to support the education of less privileged students.
The Court of Appeal, on January 26, 2024, declined to suspend the orders that prohibited the government from deducting the housing levy from employed Kenyans.
As a result, the housing levy deductions continue to remain suspended,
as previously ruled by the High Court, which deemed the deductions unconstitutional.
Following the High Court’s ruling, the Attorney General and the National Treasury sought an appeal,
leading to the recent decision by the Court of Appeal.
The ongoing dispute between the teachers’ union and the TSC highlights the importance of upholding court orders and ensuring fair treatment of employees.
The issue of housing levy deductions remains a topic.
All parties involved are urged to find a resolution that respects the rights and well-being of the teachers while adhering to the rule of law.
