Teachers in Kenya were dismayed by a mysterious deduction on their payslips labeled 'KUPPET SWAL', appearing unexpectedly alongside standard union fees. This new charge, introduced despite expectations of a pay rise under the long-awaited Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), has sparked outrage and demands for immediate clarification from union and government officials.

• What: Unexplained 'KUPPET SWAL' deduction on teachers' payslips.
• Who: Teachers under the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
• When: Discovered on payslips received after July 1, coinciding with the implementation of a new salary structure under the 2025-2026 CBA.
• Why significant: Teachers were expecting a pay increment, not an additional deduction, especially after new levies like the Housing levy.
• Demands: Teachers are demanding the immediate cessation of the deduction, a refund of the deducted money, and transparency from the KUPPET national office and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).