Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bungoma County Executive Secretary Augustine Luketelo has strongly condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for imposing heavy teacher taxes, leaving them financially strained.
Speaking in Misikhu, Webuye West Sub-County, during a fundraiser to support the burial expenses of the late Annita Wafula, Luketelo criticized the government for what he termed “unfair and excessive taxation” on teachers’ salaries.
He lamented that teachers have little to take home after numerous deductions, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
“The government must reconsider its tax policies. Teachers are heavily overtaxed, yet they continue to work under difficult conditions. It is unfair that they have nothing to smile about after all the deductions,” Luketelo said.
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The fundraiser was organized to assist in the burial arrangements for Wafula, a teacher at Lugulu Girls High School, who succumbed to breast cancer.
At the same time, Bungoma County KUPPET Chairperson David Barasa called on lawmakers to enact laws that would provide financial relief and medical support for cancer patients and individuals suffering from other life-threatening diseases.
“Cancer treatment is expensive, and many teachers and other citizens are struggling to access proper medical care. We urge our lawmakers to pass laws prioritizing cancer patients, ensuring they receive affordable treatment and necessary support,” Barasa stated.
The remarks come amid growing frustration among teachers over high taxation, with unions urging the government to review its tax policies and improve the welfare of educators.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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