Atwoli Strongly Supports Govt for Doubling NSSF Deductions With Key Reason
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has praised the doubling of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions saying in future the funds will be beneficial to Kenyan workers.
In a statement released Tuesday, February 4, Atwoli dismissed the backlash the new NSSF rates have received particularly in the political landscape accusing leaders of misleading the public.
“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 (NSSF) Act of 2013. As the voice of Kenyan workers, we affirm that the full implementation of this Act is not only beneficial but necessary for securing workers’ financial futures,” Atwoli stated.
“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 added.
The message by Atwoli comes as Kenyans are set to take home lesser pay following government’s directive to increase NSSF monthly contribution to Ksh4320 from Ksh2160.
The new statutory deductions, which are set to take effect in February this year, are part of the NSSF Act of 2013 that is currently being implemented in phases. Employed Kenyans will be deducted 6 per cent of their salaries.
