TSC Denies Reports of April Salary Delays Amid KEWOTA Scandal
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 19, the Commission clarified that a viral notice suggesting that teachers would experience salary delays due to an ongoing controversy involving the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) was fabricated and did not originate from the official TSC communication channels.
The fake notice, dated April 19, claimed that a High Court order linked to KEWOTA had disrupted payroll processes, forcing delays in salary disbursement. However, TSC moved swiftly to debunk the claims, urging teachers to disregard the information and rely only on verified sources.
“The information circulating online is false and should be treated as such. Teachers are advised to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates regarding salary payments,” the Commission stated
The confusion stems from a recent media exposé that brought KEWOTA under scrutiny over allegations of unauthorised salary deductions from thousands of teachers across the country. Reports indicated that approximately Ksh200 was being deducted monthly from over 100,000 teachers, translating to nearly Ksh30 million every month.
Following the revelations, TSC suspended the deductions pending investigations, a move that sparked concern among teachers about potential disruptions to their April pay. In response, KEWOTA filed a case in court, arguing that the Commission acted without granting the association an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
On April 17, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a temporary stay order, effectively reinstating the deductions and allowing them to continue until the matter is fully heard and determined. The ruling further fueled speculation, with some interpreting it as a signal of possible payroll complications.
Despite the legal developments, TSC maintained that salary processing remains unaffected. The Commission also addressed specific claims in the fake notice, which alleged that payroll had been closed on April 16 and that payments initially scheduled for April 17 would be delayed until the following week.
TSC categorically rejected these assertions, affirming that salary payments would proceed as scheduled. “There will be no delays in the payment of April salaries. All eligible teachers will receive their dues within the expected timelines,” the Commission affirmed.
In addition, TSC confirmed that newly recruited Junior Secondary School interns and replacement teachers hired in January have been included in the April payroll. These teachers are expected to receive both their salaries and any pending arrears, offering relief to many who had expressed concerns over delayed payments.
Further, the government set aside an additional Ksh3 billion to clear outstanding medical bills for teachers, a move widely seen as part of broader efforts to improve welfare in the profession. Teacher unions have long advocated for better remuneration and enhanced healthcare coverage, citing rising living costs and increased financial strain on educators.
As investigations into the KEWOTA deductions continue, TSC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing teachers’ payroll. The Commission also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, warning that false reports could cause unnecessary anxiety among teachers and the public.
With salaries expected to be processed without disruption, attention now shifts to the ongoing legal proceedings, which are likely to determine the future of the contested deductions and their impact on teachers nationwide.
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TSC Denies Reports of April Salary Delays Amid KEWOTA Scandal
