Atwoli tells off gov’t critics opposing doubling of NSSF deductions

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, expressed strong support for the government following the doubling of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions.
In a statement, the COTU boss lamented over what he described as misinformation surrounding the implementation of the revised NSSF contribution rates which were legally enacted in 2013.
Atwoli reprimanded a section of the political class arguing that they were spewing a narrative that the NSSF rate upward adjustment was in the form of tax, which he maintained was utterly wrong.

The trade unionist further blasted the political leaders driving the agenda yet they enjoy premium pension services and own business empires which he insisted would finance their lifestyle in retirement.
“First and foremost, it is critical to clarify that NSSF is not a tax. NSSF is a structured mandatory savings mechanism aimed at ensuring that workers retire with dignity. Unfortunately, most of those politicizing NSSF enjoy a superior pension or are assured of income streams through the numerous business ventures that they own,” Atwoli’s statement read in part.
“As such, any attempts to politicize or misrepresent the revised NSSF contribution rates, which were legally enacted in 2013, only serve to mislead the public, hinder compliance, and jeopardize workers’ long-term financial security.”

In the new rates, the minimum contributions are set to increase from Ksh420 to Ksh480 while income earners will contribute Ksh4,320 from Ksh2,160.
Workers who earn Ksh72,000 and above would bear the biggest brunt of the adjustments as their contributions would be increased to Ksh4,320 from the current Ksh2,160.
Eliminating old age poverty
Defending the move, Atwoli said that it was key to eliminating old age poverty.
“Second, it is important to note that Social security is a fundamental human right. It exists to protect individuals against life’s uncertainties, including old age poverty. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 102 (1952)establishes minimum global standards for social security, while Kenya’s Constitution (2010), under Article 43, explicitly guarantees every citizen the right to pension and social security. It is, therefore, the duty of the government, employers, and all players to uphold and enhance social security measures, including strengthening NSSF,” Atwoli explained.

“As COTU (K), we hold the view that if anyone genuinely care about workers, they should fully support NSSF in its mission to eliminate old-age poverty by ensuring that every Kenyan saves for retirement. A well-structured pension system provides both a lump sum payout and a monthly pension, enabling retirees to maintain a decent standard of living. The ILO recommends that retirees should receive at least 40–60 per cent of their pre-retirement income, which underscores the importance of strengthening NSSF as a mandatory savings scheme,” he added.
The COTU boss thus challenged workers to rubbish any calls to reject the revised NSSF deductions.
CONTINUOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NSSF ACT(2013) IS BENEFICIAL
— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) February 4, 2025
TO WORKERS
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K)has noted with concern the misinformation and political narratives surrounding the continued implementation of the National Social Security Fund… pic.twitter.com/vE8ah4olsk