Teachers from the Rift valley region are demanding for Kenya Women Teachers Organization (KEWOTA) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to stop all deductions from female teachers’ monthly pay in the region.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) National Executive Council Member representing Rift Valley Region Mr. Martin Sembelo said the deductions were made without the teachers’ consent and should be stopped immediately.
Sembelo argued that teachers cannot afford to pay their bills and enjoy their financial growth because of the meagre salaries they earn at the end of the month. “We were puzzled to see Kshs 200 deducted from female teachers without their consent,” said Sembelo.
Speaking to the press in his Kapenguria office, Sembelo, who is also the West Pokot KNUT Secretary said female teachers have complained about the illegal deductions by TSC for the newly formed association KEWOTA.
He faulted TSC for working in an unprocedural way by forcing them into the new association asking it to come out clear over the matter. “We are bitter about this organization. We cannot allow these organizations to ruin our lives,” he said.
Sembelo said the formation of KEWOTA is a scheme targeting KNUT to malign and define it as a weaker union. He insisted that KEWOTA is not a union and should not hoodwink teachers who are not ready to join the association.