Kuppet accuses TSC over non-remittance of union dues, warns of financial crisis

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Nairobi branch has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of withholding union dues for the past three(3) months, jeopardising the union’s operations and straining teachers financially. 

Speaking at a workshop in Nairobi on Saturday, Nairobi Branch Executive Secretary Moses Mbora criticised TSC’s actions, warning that the delay in remitting dues undermines the recent deal to end a nationwide teachers' strike.

Mr Mbora revealed that TSC’s actions have left Kuppet branches unable to meet essential financial obligations, including rent, loan repayments, and staff salaries.

This financial strain, he argued, is a form of “financial victimisation” that impacts teachers’ livelihoods and threatens the union’s stability.

Kuppet Kisumu Branch Executive Secretary Zablon Awange echoed Mr Mbora’s sentiments, pointing to widespread financial struggles across union branches due to delayed funds.

Kuppet leaders believe the delay in remitting dues is a deliberate attempt by TSC to weaken the union, a move they consider both unjust and illegal.

The funds in question were agreed upon in a return-to-work formula signed in August and September 2024, which ended a prolonged teachers’ strike. 

Kuppet leaders say the non-payment has pushed them to the brink, with properties at risk of repossession and a growing inability to maintain daily operations.

The accusation comes as President William Ruto met with Kuppet’s national leadership at State House in Nairobi, led by National Chairman Omboko Milemba.

In the meeting, President Ruto pledged to prioritise teachers' welfare and support them in providing quality education, though the immediate future of union dues remains uncertain.

With union branches nationwide struggling to stay afloat, Kuppet officials are calling for immediate action from TSC to resolve the dues issue, and prevent further harm to teachers' financial stability.