A recent investigation by a local media house has uncovered a multi-million shilling payroll scheme within the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), implicating top officials, their relatives, and key state institutions.
The probe reveals that over 150,000 female teachers nationwide have been subjected to a mandatory monthly deduction of Ksh 200 from their salaries.
These deductions, processed through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) payroll, generate nearly Ksh 30 million each month and approximately Ksh 228 million annually from about 95,000 members.
According to the findings, many teachers were enrolled into KEWOTA without their consent, with deductions appearing on payslips without authorization.
Efforts by some to opt out have reportedly been unsuccessful, effectively locking them into the system.
At the center of the scheme is KEWOTA CEO Benta Opande, who is alleged to have overseen the operation. Internal documents indicate that several of her relatives occupy well-paid roles within the organization.
Four of her children are listed on the payroll, earning between Ksh 200,000 and Ksh 250,000 per month. Her former husband is reportedly engaged as a consultant earning about Ksh 100,000 monthly, while her sister, niece, and brother also hold positions within the association.
The investigation also points to similar patterns in the office of Treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa, where multiple relatives are said to be employed across departments. Ndegwa reportedly earns a monthly salary of Ksh 270,000, with additional payments allegedly routed through multiple accounts.
Further findings suggest the existence of “ghost offices” used to siphon funds. In one instance, 71 fictitious names were reportedly created during a membership drive, each allocated Ksh 12,000, despite listed teachers denying any participation or payment.
The scheme is also said to involve large cash withdrawals from a government-linked account where the deducted funds are first deposited. Investigators allege that money is distributed in cash and via mobile transfers to maintain access to payroll data and sustain the deductions. There are also claims of payments made to quietly resolve tax-related issues.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is pursuing a money laundering case linked to the association’s leadership.
In response, CEO Benta Opande dismissed the allegations, claiming she is being targeted by a disgruntled former employee.
For many teachers, the revelations validate long-standing concerns over unexplained salary deductions and lack of transparency.
The scandal has placed KEWOTA and its relationship with the TSC under intense public scrutiny, with growing calls for accountability and action over the handling of teachers’ funds.
