Teachers Protest “KUPPET SWAL” Deduction, Demand Answers From Union and TSC
As salary increases tied to the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) began arriving, teachers across Kenya were surprised to see an unexplained deduction labeled “KUPPET SWAL” on their payslips. The deduction, appearing alongside standard fees, has triggered widespread outrage, especially among Nakuru-based KUPPET members calling on the union and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for clarity.
On July 30, 2025, teachers from KUPPET’s Nakuru branch held a protest, accusing the union of imposing the new “KUPPET SWAL” charge without prior notice. The deduction showed up in July payslips just as the new CBA increment — signed on July 19, effective July 1 — took effect. Teachers say they had no knowledge or consent and described the deduction as unlawful.
Teachers from multiple counties, especially Nakuru, expressed their disappointment and sense of betrayal. According to them, this deduction felt like a slap in the face — not only because it was unannounced but also because it coincided with what should have been a moment of relief: the long-awaited salary increment. This combination of positive and negative financial movements left teachers confused, frustrated, and more disillusioned than ever.
“We’ve been awakened to a problem on the teachers’ payslips that yesterday, teachers were expecting to smile to the bank because of the CBA increment. Unfortunately, as we are talking right now, there is a new deduction called KUPPET SWAL,” one of the teachers told reporters during the protest.
The controversial deduction coincides with the rollout of the 2025–2029 CBA agreement valued at KSh 33 billion, which was signed by the three key teachers' unions: KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET. It promised significant pay rises for lower job groups, with increments of up to 29.6%. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had committed to process July salaries with the Phase I increase in line with this agreement.
However, what should have been a straightforward pay rise turned into a public relations crisis. For many teachers, the mystery deduction labeled "KUPPET SWAL" instantly cast doubt on the transparency and accountability of their union.
It’s not the first time Kenyan teachers have faced unexplained deductions. In the past, issues have been raised about welfare fund deductions, teacher training levies, and now, deductions tied to vague abbreviations like “SWAL.” Without clarification from KUPPET or TSC, speculation has been rampant — with some suggesting the deduction may stand for a welfare, savings, or loan fund, though no official confirmation has been made.
The situation has been further inflamed by a wave of existing statutory deductions. Kenyan teachers already contribute toward:
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The Housing Levy, a mandatory contribution to fund the government’s affordable housing project
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SHA (Social Health Authority) deductions under the new universal healthcare plan
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Union dues, amounting to 1.8% of their gross pay
Add to this the unanticipated KUPPET SWAL charge, and teachers are left with payslips that bear little resemblance to what was promised under the CBA.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Union fee (KUPPET) | 1.8% of basic salary |
| CBA value (2025–29) | KSh 33–33.75 billion |
| Salary increment (lowest grade) | up to 29.5% |
| CBA signed | July 19, 2025 |
| CBA effective | July 1, 2025 |
| Deductions on payslip | ≥3 (SWAL, SHA, Housing Levy) |
| No. of teachers affected | Estimated 300,000+ |
| Protest location | Nakuru (Confirmed), Others likely |
“Our payslips are bleeding. KUPPET must explain — or TSC must act.”
“We’re tired of surprises on our payslips. Trust is eroding fast.”
Multiple teachers across platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp groups have shared images of their payslips highlighting the deduction. Others have uploaded protest videos demanding accountability from KUPPET’s National Executive Board. Some even threatened to suspend their union membership if the issue is not resolved swiftly.
A few members of KUPPET’s leadership have been quoted — anonymously — saying that SWAL might refer to a national-level welfare support initiative within the union. However, without an official circular or union assembly vote, such deductions may be deemed illegal under labor law.
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