TSC accused of non-remittance of teachers' deductions to Saccos

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been accused of not remitting deductions from teachers’ salaries to Saccos.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) National Chairman Omboko Milemba said Saccos are now struggling because they are unable to process loans for teachers.

Speaking on Saturday during the union’s annual general meeting at Kibabii University multi-purpose hall, Mr Omboko said Saccos have not received the teacher’s deductions for the last two months.

“Teachers’ salaries come almost on time, but their cash for shares is not being sent to cooperatives. This makes it hard to serve teachers,” he said.

Milemba called on TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia to expedite the process so that teachers can enjoy loan facilities and other services.

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“TSC has enough staff to make deductions and take them to Saccos.

“The delay has made it difficult to get loans on time and put pressure on Saccos to serve their members,” he said.

In western Kenya, teachers complained they have been unable to secure loans from the giant Mwalimu Sacco, Kakamega Teachers Cooperative and Ng’arisha Teachers Sacco in Bungoma.

They have been told to wait until there is enough float in the saccos’ bank accounts.

Omboko’s sentiments were echoed by Bungoma Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Executive Secretary Kenneth Ngangah, who said teachers are being surcharged for non-remittance of shares from the TSC, which is subjecting them to much suffering.

“It’s unfortunate TSC is receiving teacher’s salaries on time from the Government but failing to remit the deductions to Saccos.

“Our members may be forced to take industrial action if TSC continues with this trend,” said Ngangah.

Ng’arisha Sacco says it is demanding over Sh30 million for the months of June and July.

A senior official from the Sacco who is not authorised to speak to the media said they only received the May deductions last week and are now waiting for the June and July shares.

“We are currently not processing loans because we are yet to get remittance for the last two months,” he said.

Efforts by The Standard to get a comment from the Kakamega Teachers Sacco Society (Kateco) CEO Peter Vuhya were fruitless.

When contacted, the TSC Chief Executive Officer said she had been away for a week, but would issue a statement soon.