Francis Atwoli hits out at MPs over criticism of NSSF

Francis Atwoli hits out at MPs over criticism of NSSF - COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli. (Photo: Standard)

COTU-K said it supports parliamentary oversight but warned that allegations made without evidence could damage an institution that millions of workers depend on for their retirement security.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU-K) has warned Members of Parliament against making unsubstantiated claims about the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), saying such remarks could erode public confidence in the institution and discourage workers from saving for retirement.

This comes after a section of MPs criticised the fund during deliberations on the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill at the Committee of the Whole House.

In a statement, COTU-K said it supports parliamentary oversight but warned that allegations made without evidence could damage an institution that millions of workers depend on for their retirement security.

The Union also expressed disappointment with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, saying it had maintained a cordial working relationship with him on matters affecting workers.

COTU-K said its two representatives on the NSSF Board of Trustees had a responsibility to protect contributors’ interests and ensure proper management of their savings.

“From the outset, COTU (K) has enjoyed a cordial and productive working relationship with Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah, particularly on legislative matters affecting the welfare and interests of Kenyan workers. We recognise his leadership of the National Assembly and the unmatched prowess he has demonstrated in steering important legislative business, and it is precisely because of the respect we have for his leadership that we find his participation in these unfortunate remarks particularly disappointing,” COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said.

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The Union added that it had not received complaints from its members or any of its 47 affiliated trade unions about the alleged denial of benefits raised in Parliament.

It challenged politicians making claims that NSSF officers demand money from retirees to provide evidence, identify the affected contributors and follow the proper channels to ensure accountability.

COTU-K also warned NSSF management and the Board of Trustees against intimidation, blackmail and pressure from individuals seeking to influence the fund’s management and investment decisions, especially as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

“We call upon the management of NSSF and the Board of Trustees not to bow to any intimidation, blackmail or arm-twisting, especially as we approach the 2027 elections,” it said.

The Union defended NSSF’s performance, saying its investment portfolio had grown from Sh312 billion to Sh814 billion over the past three years, putting it on course to become a trillion-shilling fund.

It noted that when Atwoli joined the NSSF Board, the fund’s portfolio stood at Sh26 billion before rising to Sh300 billion by the time he left in 2021.

The Union further said NSSF had recorded investment returns of about 11 per cent in the 2023/2024 financial year and 17 per cent in 2024/2025. It added that the fund was considering alternative investments with high returns, including the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway.

COTU-K also cited two consecutive clean audit opinions from the Office of the Auditor General, saying the results showed an improvement in financial reporting and accountability.

On access to retirement benefits, the union dismissed claims that workers from Marsabit, Garissa and other parts of the country must travel to Nairobi to receive services.

It said NSSF operates 64 branches nationwide where members can seek assistance, lodge claims and make inquiries.

The Union added that the average time taken to process benefits had dropped from about 87 days to seven days, with its representatives engaging the fund’s management to reduce the period further to one day.

COTU-K maintained that Parliament should carry out its oversight role responsibly instead of making statements that could weaken public trust in NSSF.

It warned that such claims could discourage workers and employers from making their required contributions, weaken confidence among voluntary savers and undermine the country’s long-term social protection goals.

The Union also urged MPs to encourage workers in the informal economy to join the Haba na Haba savings programme, which seeks to expand retirement savings opportunities for people outside formal pension arrangements.

“Instead of frightening informal sector workers away from NSSF through sweeping accusations, Parliament should be leading national conversations on how to expand coverage, strengthen confidence and ensure that every Kenyan worker, regardless of their employment status, can save towards a dignified retirement,” the Union said.