Kuppet oppose NSSF deductions, terms it discriminatory to some teachers

NAIROBI, KENYA: A teachers union has opposed their deductions to the National Social and Security Fund (NSSF) body in the name of pension.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) said that they read mischief from its rival Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the umbrella union (Pusetu) of a plot to be officials of the NSSF body.

Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori instead proposed that the employers’ contribution of 15 per cent of the basic pay of employees as workers contribute 7.5 per cent.

“Pusetu and Knut now want us to believe that they have been against NSSF deductions when they are waiting for positions on the basis of these deductions. We will not allow any person to touch teacher’s money in the name of pension,” said Misori.

He said that no teachers’ money will be deducted in the name of pension of 6 per cent to NSSF unless both the employer and the employee come to an agreement.

“We read mischief from the leadership of PUSETU which earlier on sought induction of NSSF in exchange of teachers’ contribution of six per cent of basic salary,” said Misori.

Speaking to Standard on Monday, Mr Misori explained that they have NSSF body has been embroiled in major scams and putting teachers money without checks and balances was tantamount to hazardous mega corruption.

The union now proposes that the pension scheme be managed by employer and employee – together with identified fund manager which will enable teachers get more money upon retirement.

Kuppet proposed that the employer’s contribution of 15 cent of the basic pay of employees as workers (teachers) contribute 7.5 per cent - the figure being 22.5 cent of the teachers’ basic pay.

This supports the 2009 public service minister’s superannuation scheme.

Misori said that the scheme will guarantee teachers get their pension on time and where teachers can have an option of wishes to retire early not necessarily to retire at sixty.

According to the union, the pension scheme will guarantee members loans and allow for transfer to other employment subsequently favouring those who are dismissed or who leave employment early.

At the same time Kuppet alleged that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) was locking out potential candidates in the recruitment and giving first priority to candidates who have attained the age of 40.

Kuppet chair Omboko Milemba said that the recruitment should be based on the basis of those who cleared their professional training earlier and not based on the age.

“We are opposed to this kind of process where we have qualified candidates who will be locked out just because they are reached the 40 years. This is something that TSC has sneaked in,” said Milemba.

Milemba said that there are candidates who cleared their teacher training as far as 2006 and should have been the first to be selected before considerations are made on the other candidates.

Kuppet said that there have numerous complaints from accross the country from candidates claiming that they were being locked unfairly.

However, TSC Chief Executive Gabriel Lengoiboni dismissed Kuppet’s allegation saying that there are strict guidelines which is being used by the commission.

“The allegations are farfetched because TSC has a guideline and we cannot therefore go out of the rules. As long as somebody is below 45 years at the time of employment, the person is eligible,” said Lengoiboni.

Lengoiboni faulted the union saying that they only want to discredit the proposal with ulterior motives.

“The union have the guidelines and they should consult the commission. We advertised for the position as stipulated by law and any person qualified should apply,” added Lengoiboni.

Article 52 (1) of the revised Code of Regulations for teachers states that the Commission may employ a teacher on Permanent and Pensionable terms if the teacher is a Kenyan citizen and is registered as a trained teacher in accordance with the Act; and is below the age of 45 years at the time of appointment.

Kuppet also claimed that TSC have neglected candidates who qualify to teach French, Germany, Music, Art and Craft and concentrate recruitment on core subjects like English, Kiswahili, Maths, Chemistry and Biology.

“The commission has failed to adequately recruit talent based teachers. A subject like Music or Art are based on talent and should also have been given enough slots,” said Milemba.

Related Topics

NSSF Kuppet