The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has disbursed February salaries to teachers across Kenya, omitting deductions for the controversial Housing Levy.
This move follows a legal dispute stemming from January’s payroll, where the levy was deducted despite a High Court ruling declaring it illegal. TSC defended its actions, citing the timing of the court’s decision after payroll processing had commenced.
However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) expressed dissatisfaction, vowing to take legal action against TSC for flouting court orders and deducting the levy.
Secretary General Akelo Misori emphasized the need for immediate refunds and criticized TSC’s failure to rectify the issue despite ample time between the court ruling and payroll processing.
Kuppet’s stance highlights the importance of upholding teachers’ rights and benefits, especially in light of judicial decisions. They argue that TSC’s excuse of payroll processing constraints does not justify disregarding court directives.
The absence of Housing Levy deductions from February salaries signifies a temporary reprieve for teachers, pending further legal clarity. Kuppet urges TSC to comply with court orders promptly and calls for the immediate release of withheld deductions, asserting the significance of protecting teachers’ earnings.
Source (https://arena.co.ke/tsc-pays-teachers-february-salaries-without-house-levy-deductions/)