Confusion in Teachers’ Payslips: SWAL Removed but New Strange Deductions Emerge

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Kenyan teachers have been thrown into fresh confusion after receiving their August 2025 salaries. Many educators report unexplained deductions in their payslips and bank accounts despite celebrating last month’s removal of the controversial SWAL (Salary With Advance Loan) deductions introduced under KUPPET. While teachers believed the battle against SWAL was won, a new financial puzzle has now emerged — one that raises questions about transparency in payroll systems, banking practices, and union accountability.

This unexpected development has sparked a wave of frustration and anger among teachers, with many describing it as “winning one battle only to lose another.” As complaints pile up across social media, WhatsApp groups, and staffrooms, teachers are demanding answers from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), banks, and SACCOs.

Relief After SWAL Deduction Was Scrapped

The uproar against SWAL reached its peak in July 2025, when thousands of teachers protested both online and in physical demonstrations. Teachers argued that the deduction was illegal and exploitative since it was allegedly introduced without their consent through the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).

The protests forced action, and by August payslips, SWAL was removed. Teachers celebrated this victory, believing their pays would finally reflect their rightful salaries.

“This month hakuna SWAL deduction. At least that’s one problem gone,” one teacher happily remarked on Facebook.

However, relief quickly turned into frustration. Instead of higher net salaries, many teachers were shocked to see new, unexplained cuts.

Strange Deductions in August Salaries

Teachers reported deductions ranging from KES 500 to KES 2,981, with most complaints coming from Equity Bank account holders and SACCO members. Strangely, these deductions did not appear in the official TSC payslip system, leaving teachers to suspect irregularities either at the bank or SACCO level.

One teacher lamented:

“Good morning, not Equity Bank alone, even TNT Sacco deducted my 500. I’m devastated. Next time TSC iniwekee pesa kwa Mpesa yangu!”

Another asked in a WhatsApp group:

“Hi kenyanteachers, ni mimi pekee salary imepungua by 2,981 ama kuna wengine pia?”

The widespread nature of the deductions points to a systemic issue rather than isolated cases.

Kenyan teachers marking examination papers of learners

Teachers Demand Urgent Answers

Educators are now demanding clarification on the following:

Who authorized these deductions?
Why were they not reflected on TSC payslips?
Are banks or SACCOs exploiting teachers behind the scenes?

Traditionally, deductions should only include PAYE tax, HELB loan repayments, union fees, SACCO contributions, insurance, or officially recognized commitments. Anything beyond these categories raises suspicion.

One teacher summarized the frustration:

“We fought hard to remove SWAL, but now another monster has appeared. We cannot keep losing money from our already small salaries.”

Possible Explanations Behind the Deductions

Though no official communication has been issued, several theories have emerged:

Bank Charges and Loan Arrears – Banks like Equity may have applied deductions related to overdraft penalties, unpaid loans, or account maintenance. Teachers believe these charges were done in bulk without proper communication.
SACCO Commitments – SACCO members often have deductions linked to loans, savings, or shares. However, teachers argue that this month’s deductions were unusual, unannounced, and irregular.
System Errors – The removal of SWAL may have disrupted payroll remittances, causing technical errors in how banks processed teacher salaries.
Third-Party Deductions – Insurance firms, welfare associations, or unions sometimes auto-deduct payments, but such deductions typically appear on TSC payslips — which was not the case this time.

Without transparency, speculation continues to grow, fueling anger and mistrust.

Double Pain for Teachers

This issue comes at a time when teachers are already struggling with inflation, high living costs, and unfulfilled government promises on allowances. Many rely heavily on every shilling in their salary, making unexplained deductions devastating.

As one teacher put it:

“We were relieved SWAL was gone. But now I feel cheated again. It’s like we win one battle but lose another.”

The deductions have therefore not only reduced teachers’ incomes but also dealt a psychological blow, increasing stress and lowering morale.

TSC’s Role Under Scrutiny

Teachers argue that it is TSC’s responsibility as their employer to ensure salary accuracy and protection. They demand a more transparent and secure payroll system. Some even suggest that salaries should be directly credited to M-Pesa wallets instead of bank or SACCO accounts, which they accuse of mishandling funds.

“Next time TSC iniwekee pesa zangu kwa M-Pesa yangu! At least there I can control what is deducted,” one teacher commented.

Unless TSC steps in decisively, its credibility will continue to erode in the eyes of teachers.

KUPPET and the Ghost of SWAL

Even though SWAL has been scrapped, KUPPET is not off the hook. Teachers accuse the union of betraying its members by introducing the deduction in the first place. Some believe KUPPET still owes teachers an apology and financial accountability.

Distrust toward unions is growing, and the August deductions have only added fuel to the fire. Teachers increasingly feel unprotected by organizations meant to represent their welfare.

Why This Issue Matters

The emerging salary deductions may appear small, but their implications are massive:

Erosion of Trust: Teachers are losing faith in TSC, unions, banks, and SACCOs.
Mental Stress: Financial instability is affecting teachers’ wellbeing.
Union Weakness: The controversy exposes cracks in union leadership and effectiveness.
Need for Reform: Teachers are calling for digitized, transparent salary systems that cannot be manipulated.

If unresolved, this issue could escalate into nationwide protests similar to the SWAL uproar.

What Next?

Teachers now want clear answers to three pressing questions:

Why were the deductions made?
Who authorized them?
What measures will stop such incidents in the future?

TSC, Equity Bank, and SACCO leaderships must issue a joint explanation before the situation escalates further. Otherwise, speculation will grow, fueling unrest among one of the country’s largest professional groups.

Conclusion

The removal of SWAL was supposed to be a victory, but new unexplained deductions have turned it into a hollow one. Teachers feel cheated, unions are under pressure, and TSC’s silence is worsening matters.

Until full accountability is provided, Kenyan teachers will remain vigilant, vocal, and resistant. Their payslip is their lifeline, and any attempt to tamper with it — without consent or clarity — will not go unchallenged.

Teachers are sending a strong message: “Enough is enough.”