Role of Nssf in Welfare Development

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was established in 1965 by an Act of Parliament under cap 258 Laws of Kenya. The Fund was intended to serve as the 1st pillar of social security for Kenyan workers. The ILO defines Security as the protection which society provides for its members through a series of public measures against the economic and social distress that otherwise would be caused by stoppage, or substantial reduction of earnings resulting from sickness, maternity, employment injury, unemployment, invalidity, old age and death the provision of medical care and the provision of subsidies for families with children.
Social security is important for the well being of workers, their families and the entire community. It is a means of creating social cohesion, thereby helping to ensure social peace and social inclusion. It is an indispensable part of the government social policy and important tool to alleviate poverty. It can through national solidarity and fair burden sharing, contribute to human dignity, equity and social justice. It is also important for political inclusion, empowerment and the development of democracy.1
SOCIAL SECURITY STRUCTURE IN KENYA
Kenya has several types of schemes which offer social security which can be divided into three broad categories:-
1. Public Schemes
• The NSSF
• The NHIF
• The Civil Servants Pension Fund
• The local Authorities Pension Trust
• The Public Universities Superannuation Pension Fund
• The Workmen’s Compensation Fund
• The widows & Orphans Compensation Fund
• The Parliamentary Pensions Fund
These are established by Acts of Parliament.
2. Occupational Scheme
1 ILO resolution on social security, Geneva 2001 1
The Occupational schemes are run by employers for their employees and are underwritten by private insurance companies.
3. Individual Schemes
The individual schemes are private schemes designed for the employed, self-employed and/ or for those in non-personable employment.
The public