Controversy Erupts Over Union Deductions for Visually Impaired Teachers in Kenya

 In a heated debate, the Teachers' Service Commission (TSC) is under scrutiny over the automatic deduction of agency fees from the salaries of visually impaired teachers, which has sparked significant controversy. The Kenya Visually Impaired Teachers’ Association (KEVIT) has voiced strong opposition to these deductions, arguing that the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) does not represent their interests.

The Dispute

During a recent session of the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Senator Julius Murgor, KEVIT’s chairperson, Mbugua Kamau, raised concerns about the forced transfer of visually impaired teachers from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to KUSNET. Kamau criticized the T-Pay online platform, which teachers use to manage third-party deductions, for lacking an option to exit KUSNET.

Kamau’s claims centered on the issue that many visually impaired teachers were automatically enrolled in KUSNET without their consent, leading to an involuntary 1.5 percent salary deduction. He argued that this system was both unfair and unjust.

TSC’s Response

TSC CEO Nancy Macharia defended the commission's practices, stating that the T-Pay system allows teachers to manage their own union-related deductions. According to Macharia, teachers have the autonomy to approve or halt any deductions and can exit a union by simply logging into the system.

“The T-Pay system provides teachers with full control over their deductions,” Macharia asserted. “If a teacher wishes to stop their union deduction, they can do so through the system.”

Despite these assurances, the committee, particularly Vice-chairperson Senator George Mbugua, questioned how KUSNET, with only 52 registered members, could justify collecting agency fees from 2,433 teachers. Mbugua's concerns highlighted a discrepancy in the number of teachers being charged versus those officially registered with KUSNET.

Legitimacy and Transparency Issues

KEVIT’s Geoffrey Wachira challenged KUSNET’s claim to have negotiated benefits under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Wachira pointed out that some allowances, such as the Disability Guide Allowance, predated KUSNET’s involvement, questioning whether KUSNET had any legitimate role in negotiating these benefits.

Senator Crystal Asige further pressed for evidence showing that the teachers whose salaries were deducted had consented to support KUSNET. The lack of clear documentation raised questions about the transparency and legitimacy of the deductions.

Call for Respect and Sensitization

Senator Julius Murgor concluded the session by emphasizing the importance of respecting employees' freedom to choose their union representation. He urged the TSC to enhance sensitization efforts to ensure that teachers are fully informed about union and agency fees and their rights regarding these deductions.

The ongoing debate underscores the need for clear communication and transparency in union representation and salary deductions. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for all parties involved to address these concerns to ensure fairness and respect for the rights of visually impaired teachers.

The controversy over union deductions for visually impaired teachers in Kenya highlights critical issues surrounding union membership and fee collection. With allegations of forced enrollment and questionable legitimacy, the TSC and KUSNET face scrutiny from both the Senate and the affected teachers. Moving forward, a commitment to transparency and respect for teachers' choices will be essential in resolving this dispute and upholding fair practices in union representation.