Kenyan teachers were left frustrated and confused this week after a mysterious new deduction labelled ‘KUPPET SWAL’ appeared on their payslips, even as they expected to enjoy salary increases under the recently implemented 2025–2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Instead of celebrating their long-awaited pay rise, many teachers expressed shock and anger over the unexpected deduction, which they say was neither communicated nor agreed upon. Members of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), particularly those from Nakuru County, voiced their concerns in a press conference on Wednesday, July 30.
‘KUPPET SWAL’ Sparks Outrage
Teachers say the ‘SWAL’ deduction was first spotted on July payslips and has caused widespread concern across the country. Many claimed they had never been informed of such a fee and had no idea what it stood for.
“We were expecting smiles at the bank due to the new CBA increment, but instead we were shocked to see a deduction called KUPPET SWAL. What is it? Who authorised it? Why are teachers paying it?” asked one aggrieved teacher during the media briefing.
Some teachers described the deduction as “unlawful, unexplained, and unacceptable,” calling on both the KUPPET national office and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to provide immediate answers.
“We are classroom teachers and this deduction is eating into our already reduced salaries. The national KUPPET leadership must stop it immediately and ensure refunds are processed,” they said.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The teachers are now demanding transparency, accusing the union of introducing the deduction without consultation or explanation. Many argue that the deduction is not only unjustified but also comes at a time when educators are struggling with multiple government-imposed salary deductions.
Currently, teachers contribute 1.8% of their basic salary to the union as membership fees. On top of that, they are subject to the Housing Levy under the Affordable Housing Programme and the Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions, which have further reduced their take-home pay.
“With the rising cost of living, teachers are already struggling to survive. Now we are being milked dry with deductions we don’t even understand,” lamented a teacher.
“Teachers are stressed, distressed, and unsettled. We’re crying. We can’t focus in class when our payslips are bleeding,” added another.
Salary Increment Under 2025–2026 CBA Overshadowed
The KUPPET SWAL deduction controversy comes barely a week after the new salary structure under the 2025–2026 CBA officially took effect. The agreement, signed on July 19 by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), KUPPET, and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET), was meant to benefit teachers through enhanced salaries and better working conditions.
The four-year deal, valued at Ksh33 billion, was backdated to July 1 and is seen as a major achievement for the unions. However, the SWAL deduction saga has now cast a shadow over what was expected to be a celebratory moment for educators.
“We were excited that the government finally honoured the CBA and we would see improved salaries. But what is the use of an increment if it’s immediately taken away through backdoor deductions?” one teacher asked rhetorically.
What Is ‘KUPPET SWAL’?
As of now, neither KUPPET nor the TSC has provided a clear explanation for what SWAL stands for or what the deduction is meant to cover.
Some speculate it could be related to a savings and loan initiative, insurance program, or union welfare fund, but nothing has been confirmed. Others allege it could be a scheme introduced without proper consent to raise funds for union activities or benefits without member participation.
This lack of clarity has only worsened tensions between union members and the national KUPPET office.
“Whatever it is, it should not be on our payslips without our knowledge and permission. We demand to know: What is SWAL, and who approved it?” the teachers said collectively.
Pressure on TSC and Union Leadership
Teachers are now urging the KUPPET National Executive Board (NEB) and the Teachers Service Commission to address the matter urgently. They want an official circular explaining the deduction and steps taken to either refund or cancel it moving forward.
“This is a breach of trust. We are giving the union and TSC a short window to explain this deduction or face legal action,” warned a spokesperson for the aggrieved teachers in Nakuru.
There are growing calls for KUPPET officials to be held accountable for what teachers see as an abuse of their financial contributions.
The Bigger Picture: Teacher Welfare in Jeopardy
This controversy is the latest in a string of issues affecting the welfare of Kenyan teachers. Over the past year, educators have raised concerns over stagnating salaries, increasing statutory deductions, and lack of clarity over retirement benefits and insurance.
With the government’s push for the Affordable Housing Program, the SHA rollout, and now this KUPPET SWAL deduction, many teachers feel overwhelmed by the financial burden.
“We work hard to shape the future of this country. The least we deserve is transparency in how our money is handled. We will not tolerate unexplained deductions,” said a union member.
Way Forward
Teachers have issued an ultimatum to KUPPET and TSC: provide a full explanation and refund affected teachers or face mass protests and possible court action. There are also calls for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to intervene and audit all deductions appearing on government-issued payslips.
If the union fails to offer satisfactory answers, some teachers say they will push for the SWAL deduction to be removed from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) system used by TSC.
Conclusion
As the 2025–2026 CBA takes effect, what should have been a moment of financial relief has turned into outrage over a mysterious deduction. Until the union and relevant authorities come clean, the trust between teachers and KUPPET remains deeply fractured.