NSSF set to launch mobile enrollment system to enhance social security access

In a bid to modernise Kenya's social security system, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is launching several innovative initiatives aimed at increasing participation and improving efficiency.

A key component is a new mobile-based enrollment system that will allow individuals in remote and underserved areas to easily register and contribute to the fund.

Eliud Owalo, the deputy chief of staff in charge of delivery management, explained the reasoning behind this initiative on Thursday.

"We observed that people in remote areas of the country were significantly underrepresented in social security schemes. The mobile system aims to address this disparity by making enrollment more accessible," he said.

Alongside mobile enrollment, the NSSF is also automating its processes to enhance the management of members' funds and increase overall contributions.

According to Owalo, the government is focused on optimizing operations for the Financial Year 2023-2024.

Prompt funds

A primary goal is to reduce the processing time for members' benefits, ensuring that retirees receive their funds more promptly.

"We want to ensure that retirees receive their funds more quickly," Owalo noted.

The automation process will involve the adoption of advanced digital platforms designed to streamline contributions and claims. This shift is expected to significantly lower administrative costs for the NSSF.

Additionally, the government plans to extend social security coverage to the informal sector, which has remained largely unrepresented due to challenges like low financial literacy among potential contributors.

Since taking office in 2022, President William Ruto has prioritized the digitization of government services. Initially targeting 5,000 digital services, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently announced that over 21,589 services are now available on the e-Citizen platform.

However, while these initiatives promise positive changes, salaried Kenyans are bracing for increased contributions to the NSSF.

Following new tax amendments signed into law by the President on December 11, 2024, NSSF contributions will double from the current rate of Sh2,160.

Experts caution that Kenyans should prepare for potential financial challenges ahead of time, recommending they take advantage of tax amnesties to ensure compliance.