In a powerful address to the residents of Savannah Village, Misikhu Ward in Webuye West Constituency, Mr. Augustine Kundu Luketelo, the KUPPET Secretary for the Bungoma Chapter, raised significant concerns about the government’s increasing tax burden on employees, particularly teachers.
Speaking during a fundraising to support the funeral of Mrs. Anita Wafula, Lugulu Girls High School teacher who succumbed to breast cancer, Luketelo criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for introducing higher taxes while failing to demonstrate tangible development for its citizens.
Luketelo expressed frustration over the government’s decision to impose hefty levies, with teachers now facing a deduction of up to 45% of their salary in taxes. He further warned that the government’s proposal to raise National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions could push the tax burden on teachers to an alarming 50% of their salaries.
“Many Kenyan teachers are very unhappy that the government has introduced a lot of tax on their payslips and still want to increase NSSF contributions. With this, we may end up sharing our salaries equally with the government. Where do you want our teachers to go? Do we really need government-provided houses when we already have our own?” Luketelo lamented.
Luketelo highlighted the government’s move to replace the existing teacher medical cover with a new, unworthy scheme. He expressed concerns about the lack of proper structures for the new plan, urging the government to reconsider its decision on the matter. “We will oppose this move. Health and education are very sensitive issues that affect every taxpayer,” Luketelo stated.
Hon. Milly Masungo, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA), took the opportunity to encourage Kenyans to participate in free cancer screening at hospitals, citing the importance of early detection. She emphasized that with early intervention, the deadly disease could be managed effectively.
Mrs. Jane Ngichabe, the head teacher of Lugulu Boarding Primary School, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that cancer drains families financially due to the high costs of treatment. She urged the government to make cancer screening services available at all hospitals and dispensaries to ensure that no one is left behind.
David Barasa, the Chairman of KUPPET Bungoma Chapter, also called for a revision of policies to reduce the costs of treating chronic diseases. He urged Kenyans to register for the new medical scheme, SHA, while recognizing the challenges that many are facing with its implementation. “The government needs to address the teething problems with this new medical scheme,” Barasa said.
Dr. David Kasembeli, the Kimilili Sub-County Director of Education, also addressed the gathering, expressing concern over the low school attendance in the region. With only 85% of students attending school, Dr. Kasembeli warned parents who kept their children at home, stating that they would be arrested. He called on parents to fully embrace education, encouraging 100% school attendance.
Linet Wafula, an officer in the office of Webuye West Constituency, appealed to residents to lower political tensions and give elected leaders the space to work effectively for the benefit of the community.
