COTU Defends NSSF, Challenges MPs to Prove Bribery Claims
MPs Make the Allegations
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah led lawmakers in a parliamentary session on October 14. They accused NSSF officers of demanding bribes from retired civil servants who seek their benefits.
Ichung'wah said the bribe demands speed up payment of retirees' benefits. He argued that NSSF management must take responsibility for the conduct of its staff.
Ichung'wah Warns Management
The Kikuyu MP said ordinary staff are not the root of the problem. He told NSSF bosses to shape up or ship out.
COTU Says It Has No Complaints
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli issued a press statement that Kenyans.co.ke obtained. He said neither contributing members nor the union's 47 affiliates have reported any denial of benefits.
COTU holds two seats on the NSSF Board of Trustees. The union says this position gives it a clear view of complaints from workers.
Union Demands Evidence
COTU wants the MPs to name the affected contributors and provide evidence. It also wants them to start proper accountability processes.
The union called the MPs' general accusations unacceptable without evidence or named victims. It said politicians must follow the right channels instead of making broad claims.
Fund's Growth Defended
Atwoli pointed to strong growth at NSSF over the past three years. The Fund has grown from about Ksh312 billion to Ksh814 billion.
He said this growth puts the Fund on course to become a trillion-shilling institution. He added that it could become one of Africa's leading social security bodies.
Warning Ahead of 2027
Atwoli said the Fund's progress shows sound management of workers' retirement savings. He argued that people should recognise this even as Parliament does its oversight work.
The union also warned NSSF management and the Board of Trustees against intimidation, blackmail and political interference. It raised the warning as the country nears the 2027 General Election.
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