- Thousands of teachers have raised concerns after discovering an unexplained KSh108 deduction on their June 2026 payslips.
- KNUT Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno is demanding greater payroll transparency and immediate clarification from the relevant authorities.
- The union argues that every deduction must be lawful, justified and clearly communicated to teachers.
Thousands of teachers across Kenya have been left stunned after discovering an additional KSh108 deduction on their June 2026 payslips, igniting fresh concern over payroll transparency and the growing burden of statutory and administrative deductions.
What may appear to be a modest amount has triggered a nationwide debate because, for many teachers, every shilling counts in an economy marked by a rising cost of living.
The unexpected deduction has prompted a wave of inquiries from teachers who say they were neither notified nor given a clear explanation before the money was deducted.
Many have questioned whether the deduction is statutory, administrative or simply an error, urging the relevant authorities to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the June payroll.
KNUT Demands Transparency
Leading the calls for accountability is KNUT Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno.
A seasoned trade union leader who was recently re-elected to the position for the 2026–2031 term, Otieno says the union has received numerous complaints from members seeking answers about the unexplained deduction.
According to Otieno, teachers deserve complete transparency regarding every item appearing on their payslips.
He argues that unexplained deductions erode confidence in the payroll system and reduce teachers’ disposable income at a time when many are already struggling to cope with increasing household expenses.
Otieno has urged the relevant institutions to provide an immediate explanation and ensure that payroll adjustments are communicated clearly before implementation.
The controversy comes at a time when teachers are closely monitoring their earnings following recent salary adjustments and ongoing discussions on improved remuneration and better terms of service.
While educators appreciate gains made through collective bargaining, many insist that those gains should not be overshadowed by deductions that are insufficiently explained.
KNUT maintains that transparency is as important as salary increments.
The union has consistently championed better pay, improved allowances and fair working conditions while insisting that any statutory or administrative deductions must be lawful, accurate and clearly communicated to members.
Millions of Shillings at Stake
A closer look at the figures shows the broader financial implications of the deduction.
With an estimated 350,000 teachers potentially affected, the KSh108 deduction translates to approximately KSh37.8 million collectively in a single month.
If sustained over time, the cumulative amount could run into hundreds of millions of shillings annually, raising even more questions about its origin, purpose and accountability.
As anxiety continues to spread across staffrooms, teachers are calling on the relevant authorities to issue an official statement explaining the additional KSh108 deduction and, where necessary, rectify any payroll anomalies.
Until then, many are expected to continue scrutinising their payslips and seeking clarification through their institutions and union representatives.
The KSh108 deduction may appear small in isolation, but when multiplied across the teaching workforce, it becomes a significant financial figure.
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At stake is not merely the value of a deduction, but the principle that every deduction from a worker’s salary must be transparent, justified and properly communicated.
For Kenya’s teachers, clarity is not a privilege—it is a right.
By Our Reporter
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