Atwoli Issues Statement on Ruto’s Proposal to Increase NSSF Deductions

President William Ruto's proposal to increase NSSF deductions has been welcomed by COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 1, Atwoli stated that COTU fully supported the move, adding that it had been long overdue.

The trade unionist said that the deductions in Kenya were the lowest in East Africa and that they were critically inadequate.

"COTU (K) would like to make it clear to all Kenyan workers and Kenyans that we fully support the increment in NSSF deductions from the current Sh200 to the 6% rate as captured in the NSSF Act.

"Indeed, this increase has been long overdue considering it is not just the lowest in the East Africa region but also has been COTU (K)'s view that the current deductions are critically inadequate," read part of the statement signed by Atwoli.

According to Atwoli, the increment is for the benefit of workers as it will allow them to not be exposed to old-age poverty once they retire.

He urged all Kenyans to embrace the increment, stating that the 6 percent increment is within the law and is for the good of all Kenyans.

"It is to the benefit of workers that the 6% rate is implemented forthwith considering the current deduction of Sh200 is inadequate. We call upon all Kenyan workers to fully embrace the 6% rate," Atwoli stated.

President Ruto previously rooted for the increase of the NSSF deductions, maintaining that the current deductions were unreasonable as Kenyans were not making any saving.