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How to register and contribute to NSSF in Kenya

Nancy Marende 09th September, 2025 12:39 AM

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is a government scheme established to provide social security protection to workers in the country.

Both employers and employees are required by law to contribute to the fund, which serves as a retirement savings scheme and provides additional benefits, including survivors’ and invalidity benefits.

The NSSF Act, 2013 (the Act), has undergone several amendments in recent years. Some of the key changes included the introduction of increased contribution rates and the expansion of the contribution base to include workers in the informal sector, as well as the creation of the two-tier system for contributions.

Since February 2025, Kenyan employees and employers have witnessed changes in NSSF contributions, marking the third phase of the phased implementation of the NSSF Act of 2013. This phase aims to enhance retirement benefits for workers by gradually increasing contribution rates over five years.

If you are an employee, employer, or self-employed Kenyan looking to join, here’s a guide on how to register and contribute to NSSF.

Eligibility

Employees: All salaried workers, whether in the private or public sector.
Employers: Any business, company, or organisation employing one or more people.
Self-employed individuals:Business owners, freelancers, and informal sector workers can also voluntarily join.

How to Register with NSSF

Employees

Fill out the NSSF registration form (available at NSSF offices or online via the eCitizen portal).
Submit your national ID, KRA PIN, and passport photo.
Once processed, you will be issued an NSSF membership number (your lifetime account number).

Employers

Complete the Employer Registration Form (Form NSSF/REG/003).
Provide the company’s Certificate of Incorporation/Business Registration, PIN certificate, and contact details.
After approval, the employer will be given an NSSF employer code for remitting contributions.

Self-employed

Visit any NSSF office or use the eCitizen portal.
Provide your ID, KRA PIN, and personal details.
You will get an NSSF membership number to use for voluntary contributions.

NSSF logo. PHOTO/@NSSF_ke/X

Contribution Rates

As of the new rates under the NSSF Act 2013 (effective 2024):

Tier I: Employees contribute 6% of pensionable earnings up to Ksh 6,000 (shared equally between employee and employer).
Tier II: Employees contribute 6% of earnings between Ksh 6,001 and Ksh 18,000 (also shared equally).
Self-employed contributors can choose their own contribution amount, but a minimum of Ksh 200 per month is required.

How to Pay Contributions

Employers: Deduct contributions from employees’ salaries and remit them via the NSSF e-Contribution Portal or banks partnered with NSSF
Self-Employed Individuals: Can contribute directly via M-Pesa or bank deposits using their NSSF membership number.