Pension law in Kenya: NSSF Act, Retirement Benefits Act and Pensions Act
Retirement Benefits Authority · sources read 4 Oct 2026
If you're employed, NSSF is compulsory: the NSSF Act makes you a member from age 18, and you and your employer each pay 6% of your pensionable earnings. Workplace and personal pension schemes are regulated by RBA under the Retirement Benefits Act, and civil servants' pensions come under the Pensions Act.
- Where
- NSSF for NSSF membership; your scheme's trustees and RBA (rba.go.ke) for workplace and personal pension schemes; the National Treasury Pensions Department for civil service pensions
Steps
- If you're employed, check your payslip: your employer pays 6% of your pensionable earnings to NSSF and deducts another 6% from you.
- If you're self-employed, you can register with NSSF as a voluntary member.
- If your employer runs a pension or provident scheme, or you save in a personal pension plan, that scheme is regulated by RBA under the Retirement Benefits Act.
- If you're a civil servant, your pension falls under the Pensions Act and is paid by the National Treasury's Pensions Department.
Watch out
- Your employer must pay its 6% from its own pocket. It may not take its share out of your salary.
- Even if your employer has its own scheme, Tier I contributions must still go to NSSF. Only Tier II can be moved to an approved private scheme.
- An employer who doesn't register with NSSF commits an offence.
Who this covers
- NSSF: everyone covered by the Employment Act, from age 18 until pensionable age (60)
- Self-employed people can join NSSF as voluntary members
- Public service pension: at least 10 years' service and age 50
Official sources (5)
- Who We Are rba.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Types of Schemes rba.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- National Social Security Fund Act (Cap. 258), legislation as at 31 December 2022 nssf.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Pensions Act (Cap. 189), Revised Edition 2012 treasury.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Pensions (Pensions Department) treasury.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026