The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has confirmed that a six-month SwaL levy will be deducted from teachers’ payslips, starting next month. This move comes after recent protests over earlier, unauthorized deductions—particularly in Bungoma—where teachers were assured that the July payslip cuts would be refunded in full.
Related Reading: For full background on the protests and refund promises, see our earlier article — What is KUPPET SwaL? Teachers Protest New TSC Payslip Deductions
Why KUPPET Is Rolling Out the SwaL Deduction Now
The SwaL levy—short for Solidarity With All—is designed to raise funds for KUPPET’s advocacy programs, welfare initiatives, and solidarity campaigns that directly support teachers, especially those serving in hardship and remote areas. Union leaders say this planned deduction is part of a structured and transparent fundraising approach that will benefit the teaching fraternity nationwide.
Timeline and Deduction Amounts
The deductions will begin next month and run for six consecutive months. Teachers can expect to see a monthly charge of approximately KES 150–200, depending on their pay grade. On the payslip, the deduction will be listed as either SwaL or Solidarity Levy.
Bungoma Refunds: A Trust-Building Move
Earlier this year, KUPPET’s Bungoma branch acknowledged that July’s SwaL deductions had been made without proper authorization. Branch Secretary General Agustin Luketelo assured affected teachers that the funds would be reimbursed, with refunds scheduled for the following month. This public acknowledgment and action plan were seen as a step toward rebuilding member confidence in union management.
KUPPET’s Official Position on the Six-Month Levy
According to KUPPET’s leadership, the reintroduced SwaL levy will be:
- Temporary — ending after six months
- Targeted — focusing on welfare, advocacy, and teacher solidarity
- Transparent — with a full audit report to be presented to members after the deduction period
The union also clarified that the levy will not interfere with recent salary increases or negotiated allowances.
Mixed Reactions from Teachers
Reactions within the teaching community have been split. Supporters see the levy as a worthwhile investment in teacher welfare, particularly for those serving in challenging environments. Skeptics, however, remain cautious, urging KUPPET to maintain strict transparency and provide real-time updates on how the funds are spent.
Key Takeaways for Teachers
- Monitor your payslip for the SwaL deduction starting next month.
- Request periodic updates from your local KUPPET branch on how funds are allocated.
- Recognize the union’s corrective action in Bungoma as a positive sign—but continue to hold leadership accountable.
- Stay informed through trusted teacher news platforms like Kenyanteachers.com.
- Plan your monthly budget to account for the extra KES 150–200 deduction.
The Bigger Picture: Transparency Will Decide KUPPET’s Legacy
The Bungoma refunds showed that teacher pressure can yield results. However, as KUPPET embarks on this six-month levy, the union’s credibility will depend on whether it can deliver tangible benefits and uphold its transparency commitments. Teachers will be watching closely—not just for refunds or accounting, but for proof that union leadership is prioritizing their welfare over politics.
