The Central Organization of Trade Unions has issued a stern warning to politicians to stop questioning and criticizing the effectiveness of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
COTU Secretary General, Francis Atwoli said COTU supports parliamentary oversight but warned that pointing of fingers at the fund without giving evidence risks destroying public confidence in the institution thereby destroying an institution which millions of Kenyan workers rely on for retirement security.
Atwoli claimed that politicians have failed to provide tangible evidence that backs the claim that NSSF officers ask for money from retirees, identify the affected contributors and follow the proper channels to ensure accountability.
“What makes the parliamentary attacks even more unfortunate is that they completely disregard the remarkable transformation that NSSF has undergone over the past three years,” he said.
The union has expressed disappointment in the National Assembly majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah for leading legislators to castigate the bill, urging him to stay impartial and advocate for policies that protect the interests of the people.
“It is precisely because of the respect we have for his leadership that we find his participation in these unfortunate remarks particularly disappointing,” Atwoli maintained.
According to COTU SG, Francis Atwoli, the growing financial strength of NSSF will provoke heightened political interest from those people who are trying to manipulate the management and investment decisions of NSSF.
He gave a directive to the management of the fund saying they should not be intimidated. This is as the country is heading towards the 2027 general elections.
Two COTU representatives in the NSSF Board of Trustees have put emphasis on the fact that COTU will put up a strong fight against the accusations made which target the how the retirement savings of workers is managed.
COTU has urged Members of Parliament to exercise their oversight role responsibly and properly.
APERIT FM HII NI YETU
