TSC asks teachers to register for NSSSF contributions

TSC asks teachers to register for NSSSF contributions

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has asked teachers to register as members of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

This means that teachers will now contribute to two pension schemes since they are already enrolled under the Public Service Superannuation Scheme, PSSS.

TSC sent this directive to various offices as outlined in Circular No. 9/2024. The offices include TSC regional, county, and sub-county directors. Principals of diploma and primary teacher training colleges have also been notified.

Purpose of the NSSF

The NSSF, established under the NSSF Act No. 45 of 2013, provides social security benefits, survivor benefits, and invalidity benefits to workers. To comply with this Act, the TSC began payroll deductions for NSSF contributions in July 2023.

These deductions apply to all employees on the TSC payroll, regardless of their current NSSF registration status.

Individual Responsibility

The TSC stresses that it is each employee’s responsibility to ensure they are registered with the NSSF.

Proper registration is essential for the accurate crediting of monthly contributions to their NSSF accounts.

Registration Methods

Unregistered teachers can register with the NSSF using the following methods:

Physical Visit: Visit the nearest NSSF office with their National Identity Card.

Huduma Centre: Visit the nearest Huduma Centre office with their National Identity Card.

Mobile Registration: Dial *303# on their Safaricom lines and follow the prompts.

Alternatively, teachers can coordinate with the nearest NSSF branch office to arrange for a Registration Team to visit a convenient location for in-person registration with their identification documents.

Dissemination and Compliance

The TSC circular calls on all TSC Regional Directors, County Directors, and Sub-County Directors to disseminate the information. The Director of CEMASTEA, the Director of KISE, and all principals of schools will do the same. Principals of diploma and primary teacher training colleges will also disseminate this information to all teachers. This will ensure compliance by all teachers.

Dr. Nancy Njeri Macharia, CBS, the Secretary and Chief Executive of TSC, emphasized the importance of this initiative and urged diligent follow-up to ensure its successful implementation.

Double Retirement Deductions

TSC is already deducting 7.5% of the teachers’ earnings as provident fund.

Consequently, many teachers are opposed to the NSSF deductions since this means that they are now contributing towards two different pension schemes.