KUPPET Statement On Revised Hardship Allowance Policy

It has come to our attention that there are plans to withdraw the hardship allowance in some parts of the country, including Kieni East and Kieni West in Nyeri County, as per the recommendations of a multi-agency committee.

This has caused panic among the affected teachers, who know that if the allowance is withdrawn, their survival and that of their families will be at risk.

Almost all teachers have already committed their salaries. Therefore, any further deductions from their payslips will not only affect them personally, but also have a negative impact on learners.

Already, morale is low. As KUPPET Nyeri, we believe that the withdrawal of any benefit enjoyed by a worker should be handled with great care.

A clear and sufficient notice—say, of at least 10 years—should be given so that affected workers can reorganize their financial commitments. Remember, many teachers have taken out 120-month loans, and they need to plan for repayment.

Again, any deduction from employees' wages is not only against the law, but also inhumane. As teachers, we are protected by Legal Notice 534, the TSC Code of Regulations, and our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).