Teachers across Kenya are seeking clarification over an unexplained increase in Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions reflected in their June 2026 payslips, with unions calling on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to explain the additional tax charges. The concerns arose after teachers accessed their June payslips and noticed an increase of approximately Ksh108 in PAYE deductions, despite receiving no salary increment or notification of changes to their tax obligations.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) said the deductions had raised widespread concern among its members, arguing that statutory payroll changes should be accompanied by a clear explanation from the employer.
KNUT Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno questioned the basis of the higher deductions, noting that teachers had not received the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is expected to take effect from July.
“The teachers are asking why PAYE has increased when there has been no salary adjustment,” Otieno said, adding that some educators had reported deductions exceeding KSh108 depending on their job grades.
The union has urged TSC to issue a detailed breakdown of the June payroll, saying transparency is necessary to maintain confidence in the salary administration system and ensure that all statutory deductions are accurate and lawful.
The issue comes as teachers continue to shoulder several mandatory deductions, including contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Housing Levy and the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS), all of which affect their monthly take-home pay.
As of publication, neither the Teachers Service Commission nor the Kenya Revenue Authority had publicly explained the increase in PAYE deductions or indicated whether the change resulted from a payroll adjustment, an administrative error or another tax-related review.
The latest concerns have renewed calls for greater transparency in public sector payroll administration, with teachers urging the commission to address the matter promptly and provide clarity on how the June PAYE deductions were calculated.
