COTU questions re-advertising of NSSF boss post

A row is brewing over the recruitment of the Managing Trustee at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), which has a seat on the NSSF board, has taken issue with the re advertisement of the Managing Trustee position, poking holes at possible fixing of a politically connected person to manage the state run pension fund.

COTU deputy Secretary General Ernest Nadome says the process is being interfered with by powerful individuals in the government, after the position was re-advertised.

According to the COTU official, Tom Odongo, who once served as the Managing trustee until he was hounded out, had emerged as the clear choice to fill the position.

“Why should NSSF be interfered with and it’s just a provident fund. What we want from the President is to make sure NSSF board appoints a capable, non corruptible Kenyan who will steer this fund to greater heights,” Mr Nadome said.

The NSSF board re advertised the position on December 23 after most of the shortlisted candidates failed on the integrity matrix.

Anthony Omerikwa has been serving as the Acting Managing Trustee after Richard Lang’at was suspended and later sacked earlier in the year.

Mr Nadome said NSSF needs to be run without government interference to ensure the fund is able to work effectively and generate revenue to increase pensioners pay.

“NSSF manages almost Sh200 billion and we know people are eyeing this kitty for the coming elections,’ Mr Nadome claimed.