A fake notice. A real court order. And 100,000 teachers caught in the middle.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has fired back at social media rumors claiming that teachers' April salaries would be delayed.

The false notice — dated April 19 — alleged that a High Court order involving the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) had thrown payroll into chaos. The rumor spread fast. Teachers panicked faster. TSC's response? Unequivocal: Ignore it.

The commission urged teachers to rely only on official channels. No delays. No waiting until next week. The payroll closed as scheduled on April 16.

So where did the fear come from?

A recent exposé revealed that KEWOTA officials, including its CEO, had been running unauthorized salary deductions. Approximately Ksh200 per month from over 100,000 teachers — roughly Ksh30 million monthly. TSC suspended the deductions pending investigations.

KEWOTA fought back. On April 17, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a stay order, temporarily reinstating the deductions until the case is heard.

That court order was real. But the claim that it would delay salaries? Completely fake.

Good news for junior school interns and replacement teachers hired in January: TSC confirmed they have been added to the April payroll and will receive their salaries along with pending arrears.

And there's more relief. President William Ruto approved the Supplementary Appropriation Bill on April 8, allocating Ksh24.2 billion to TSC to cover salary shortfalls and health insurance. Another Ksh3 billion has been set aside to settle teachers' pending medical bills.

For years, teachers have waited. Now, the government is paying.

But the KEWOTA scandal is far from over. And teachers are watching closely.