Ignore anyone opposing NSSF, it is beneficial - COTU tells Kenyans

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has affirmed that the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Act of 2013 should be implemented fully for the benefit of Kenyan workers.

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli in a Tuesday statement expressed concern over what he called misinformation and political narratives on NSSF’s rollout.

Atwoli said NSSF is not a tax but a savings mechanism to cushion Kenyan workers during retirement.

“Unfortunately, most of those politicising NSSF enjoy a superior pension or are assured of income streams through the numerous business ventures that they own. As such, any attempts to politicise or misrepresent the revised NSSF contribution rates, which were legally enacted in 2013, only serve to mislead the public, hinder compliance, and jeopardise workers' long-term financial security,” said Atwoli.

The COTU boss noted that social security is a fundamental human right under the International Labour Organization and Kenya’s constitution.

“It is, therefore, the duty of the government, employers, and all players to uphold and enhance social security measures, including strengthening NSSF,” he said.

Atwoli added: “Anyone who genuinely cares about workers should fully support NSSF in its mission to eliminate old-age poverty by ensuring that every Kenyan saves for retirement.”

He observed that Kenya lags behind its East African Community (EAC) counterparts in social security contributions.

“While the NSSF rates in Kenya are set at 12% (6% from the employer and 6% from the employee), Uganda mandates 15% (10% employer, 5% employee), and Tanzania has a much higher contribution rate of 20% (10% employer, 10% employee),” said Atwoli, urging Kenyans to ignore anyone opposing contributions to the social security fund.

“Kenyan workers must remember that those who support their cause are those who call for a better future for them, most importantly their social protection post-retirement,” he said.

Among the notable names who have publicly challenged NSSF is former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua who has said the government’s increased deductions and tax policies are burdening Kenyans.

This past weekend, the former DP began a push to “rescue the payslip” from deductions such as the recent doubling of NSSF contributions for salaried Kenyans.