NSSF Top Calculator
Calculate your National Social Security Fund contributions - Hesabu mchango wako wa NSSF (February 2025 Rates)
What is NSSF? (Ni Nini NSSF?)
NSSF = National Social Security Fund - It's your retirement savings account / Ni akaunti yako ya pensheni
?? How It Works:
- � Every month, 6% is taken from your salary
- � Your employer ALSO adds 6% (free money!)
- � This money is saved for when you retire
- � You get it back at age 50+ when you retire
?? New Rates (Feb 2025):
- � Contributions increased from previous years
- � More savings = Bigger pension later
- � Employer matches your contribution
- � Maximum: KSh 4,320 from your salary
Calculate Your NSSF Contribution
?? Gross salary = Total salary before any deductions. Use our PAYE calculator for full breakdown including SHIF and Housing Levy.
Enter your salary above to calculate NSSF contributions
Important Information (Taarifa Muhimu)
?? New Rates Effective: February 1, 2025
Lower Limit: KSh 8,000 | Upper Limit: KSh 72,000 | Rate: 6% (employee + employer)
? This is Phase 3 of 5
The government is gradually increasing NSSF contributions over 5 years to improve retirement benefits for all Kenyans.
?? Supreme Court Approved
On February 21, 2024, Kenya's Supreme Court upheld the NSSF Act 2013, confirming these changes are legal and will continue.
?? Employers Must Comply
All employers must remit NSSF contributions by the 9th of each month. Failure to do so attracts penalties.
?? Official Resources:
- � NSSF Website: www.nssf.or.ke
- � Self Service Portal: Register online to check your balance
- � Customer Care: Call 0709 174 000 or email info@nssf.or.ke
NSSF Contribution Rates Kenya 2025 - By Salary Level
Complete breakdown of NSSF deductions for employees and employer contributions. New NSSF Act 2013 (Tier I + Tier II) now fully implemented. Maximum contribution is KES 2,160 (employee) + KES 2,160 (employer) = KES 4,320 total per month. NSSF deductions reduce your taxable income for PAYE tax calculations, along with SHIF contributions.
| Gross Salary | Tier I Contribution (6%) | Tier II Contribution (6%) | Total Employee Deduction | Employer Contribution (12%) | Total Monthly NSSF | Annual Savings (30 years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KES 10,000 | KES 420 | KES 180 | KES 600 | KES 1,200 | KES 1,800 | KES 648,000 (without interest) |
| KES 20,000 | KES 420 | KES 780 | KES 1,200 | KES 2,400 | KES 3,600 | KES 1,296,000 |
| KES 30,000 | KES 420 | KES 1,380 | KES 1,800 | KES 2,160 (capped) | KES 3,960 | KES 1,425,600 |
| KES 50,000 | KES 420 | KES 1,740 (capped) | KES 2,160 (max) | KES 2,160 (capped) | KES 4,320 | KES 1,555,200 |
| KES 100,000 | KES 420 | KES 1,740 (capped) | KES 2,160 (max) | KES 2,160 (capped) | KES 4,320 | KES 1,555,200 |
| KES 200,000 | KES 420 | KES 1,740 (capped) | KES 2,160 (max) | KES 2,160 (capped) | KES 4,320 | KES 1,555,200 |
?? NSSF Key Facts 2025
- Two-Tier System: Tier I (KES 7,000 � 6% = KES 420) + Tier II (KES 29,000 � 6% = KES 1,740) = Max KES 2,160/month
- Employer Matches: Employer pays equal amount (KES 2,160 max). Total contribution = KES 4,320/month to your retirement fund!
- Caps at KES 36,000 Salary: Whether you earn KES 50K or KES 500K gross, maximum NSSF deduction is KES 2,160. High earners don't pay more.
- Retirement Benefit: After 30 years at max contribution (KES 1.5M base + interest at ~10% = ~KES 6.5M lump sum at retirement!)
- Tax Relief: NSSF contributions are tax-deductible from gross salary before calculating PAYE. Saves you money on taxes!
Kenya Statutory Deductions Comparison 2025 - NSSF vs SHIF vs Housing Levy
Understanding the three mandatory deductions from your salary: NSSF (pension), SHIF (health insurance), and Affordable Housing Levy (housing fund).
| Deduction | Rate | Cap/Maximum | Purpose | Benefit to You | Employer Contribution? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSSF | 6% + 6% | KES 2,160/month | Retirement pension savings | Lump sum + monthly pension at age 60. Can withdraw early for emigration/disability. | YES (12%, max KES 2,160) |
| SHIF | 2.75% | No cap (unlimited) | Universal health insurance (replaced NHIF) | Free/subsidized medical care at SHIF network hospitals. Covers family (spouse + 4 kids). | NO (employee only) |
| Housing Levy | 1.5% | No cap (unlimited) | Affordable housing fund | Priority access to affordable housing. Refundable if not used within 7 years (with interest). | YES (1.5% match) |
?? Example: KES 100,000 Gross Salary Breakdown
Statutory Deductions:
- � NSSF: KES 100,000 � 6% (capped) = KES 2,160
- � SHIF: KES 100,000 � 2.75% = KES 2,750
- � Housing Levy: KES 100,000 � 1.5% = KES 1,500
- Total Statutory Deductions: KES 6,410 (6.41%)
- Plus PAYE tax on (KES 100K - KES 2,160 NSSF) = KES 97,840 taxable
?? Your Employer Also Pays: NSSF KES 2,160 + Housing Levy KES 1,500 = KES 3,660 on top of your salary!
Related Calculators
How to Manage Your NSSF Contributions
Verify Your Employer Remits
Check that your employer deducts and remits NSSF by 9th of each month. Both Tier I and II are mandatory.
Register on Self-Service Portal
Visit nssf.or.ke and register with your ID number to view statements online anytime.
Monitor Your Balance
Check your NSSF statement quarterly to verify employer contributions and track growth.
Plan for Retirement
Age 50+ and retiring? Apply for benefits online or visit nearest NSSF office with required documents.
Pro Tip: Your employer MUST match your contribution 100%. If you contribute KES 4,320, your employer also contributes KES 4,320 - that's KES 8,640 total per month building your retirement fund!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current NSSF rates for 2025 and how much will I pay?
NSSF rates effective February 1, 2025:
Contribution Rate: 6% from employee + 6% from employer = 12% total
Two-Tier Structure:
| Tier | Salary Range | Employee (6%) | Employer (6%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier I | First KES 8,000 | KES 480 | KES 480 | KES 960 |
| Tier II | KES 8,001 - KES 72,000 | Up to KES 3,840 | Up to KES 3,840 | Up to KES 7,680 |
| Maximum Monthly Contribution (KES 72,000+ salary) | KES 4,320 | KES 4,320 | KES 8,640 | |
Examples by Salary:
- Earning KES 30,000: You pay KES 1,800, employer adds KES 1,800 = KES 3,600 total/month
- Earning KES 50,000: You pay KES 3,000, employer adds KES 3,000 = KES 6,000 total/month
- Earning KES 100,000: You pay KES 4,320 (capped), employer adds KES 4,320 = KES 8,640 total/month
Key Change from Previous Years: Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) increased from KES 36,000 to KES 72,000, meaning higher earners now save more for retirement.
When can I withdraw my NSSF money and how much will I receive?
Eligibility for NSSF Withdrawal:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 50 years old
- Retirement Status: You must have retired from regular employment (not working full-time anymore)
- Special Cases: Early withdrawal possible for permanent emigration, terminal illness, or total disability
Types of NSSF Benefits:
| Benefit Type | Who Qualifies | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Age 50+ and retired | All contributions + interest earned |
| Survivor's Benefit | Dependents of deceased member | Member's balance + funeral grant |
| Invalidity Pension | Permanent disability before 50 | All contributions + interest |
| Emigration Grant | Permanently leaving Kenya | All contributions + interest |
How Much Will You Receive?
Your total NSSF payout = All your contributions + All employer contributions + Investment returns (interest/dividends)
Example: If you and your employer contributed KES 6,000/month for 20 years:
- Total contributions: KES 1,440,000 (KES 6,000 � 12 months � 20 years)
- Plus investment returns (estimated 8-10% annually)
- Approximate payout: KES 2.5M - 3M+ (varies based on actual returns)
How to Claim: Register on www.nssf.or.ke or visit nearest NSSF office with ID, birth certificate, and retirement/termination letter.
Why did my NSSF deduction increase suddenly in 2025?
The NSSF Act 2013 is being implemented in 5 phases to gradually increase contributions:
| Phase | Date | Upper Limit | Max Employee Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Feb 2023 | KES 18,000 | KES 1,080 |
| Phase 2 | Feb 2024 | KES 36,000 | KES 2,160 |
| Phase 3 (Current) | Feb 2025 | KES 72,000 | KES 4,320 |
| Phase 4 | Feb 2026 | KES 90,000 | KES 5,400 |
| Phase 5 (Final) | Feb 2027 | KES 108,000 | KES 6,480 |
Why the Increase?
- Better Retirement Benefits: Higher contributions = bigger pension when you retire
- Inflation Adjustment: Old rates (KES 400/month max) were set in 2001 and hadn't changed for 22 years
- Legal Requirement: Supreme Court upheld NSSF Act 2013 on Feb 21, 2024 - all employers MUST comply
- Matching Contributions: Your employer ALSO pays the same amount (doubled savings!)
Who is Affected Most?
- If you earn KES 36,000 or less: No change from 2024
- If you earn KES 36,001 - KES 72,000: Your deduction increased significantly in Feb 2025
- If you earn KES 72,000+: Your deduction is capped at KES 4,320/month
Important: While your take-home pay decreased, your retirement savings DOUBLED (your employer matches your contribution). In 20 years, this could mean an extra KES 1-2M+ in your pension fund.
Can I opt out of NSSF or choose a different pension scheme?
Tier I (First KES 8,000 of salary): MANDATORY - You CANNOT opt out
All employed Kenyans earning KES 8,000+ must contribute to NSSF Tier I. This is required by law under NSSF Act 2013.
Tier II (KES 8,001 - KES 72,000): You CAN redirect to an alternative pension scheme
You may opt out of Tier II ONLY if you join an alternative pension scheme approved by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
How to Opt Out of Tier II:
- Join an RBA-approved pension scheme (e.g., company pension, SACCO pension, individual pension plan)
- Inform your employer in writing
- Employer will redirect Tier II contributions to your chosen scheme
- Tier I (KES 480) MUST still go to NSSF
Alternative Pension Schemes (RBA-Approved):
| Scheme Type | Examples | Who Can Join |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Schemes | Company pension plans | Employees of participating companies |
| Individual Schemes | Britam, ICEA, Old Mutual PPP | Anyone (self-employed, employees) |
| SACCO Schemes | Mwalimu SACCO, Stima SACCO | SACCO members |
| Umbrella Schemes | Enwealth, Octagon | SMEs and individuals |
Should You Opt Out?
Advantages of Alternative Schemes:
- Potentially higher investment returns (10-15% vs NSSF's 8-10%)
- More investment options (stocks, bonds, real estate)
- Earlier access (some allow withdrawal from age 50, others at 55)
- Tax relief same as NSSF (30% of contributions up to KES 240K/year)
Advantages of Staying with NSSF:
- Government-backed security
- Automatic enrollment (no extra paperwork)
- Lower management fees
- Universal portability (works across all employers)
Important: You CANNOT just opt out without joining an alternative. You must prove to your employer that you're contributing to an RBA-approved scheme. Contact Retirement Benefits Authority: www.rba.go.ke | 0709 668 000
How do I check my NSSF balance and statement online?
NSSF offers 3 ways to check your balance:
1. Online Self-Service Portal (Recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit www.nssf.or.ke
- Click on "Self Service Portal" or "Member Login"
- If first time: Click "Register"
- Enter your National ID number
- Enter your NSSF Member Number (if you have it)
- Enter your phone number and email
- Create a password
- Verify via SMS/email
- Login with your credentials
- View your statement showing:
- Total balance
- Monthly contributions (yours + employer's)
- Interest earned
- Contribution history
- Download PDF statement for your records
2. USSD Code (Quick Balance Check)
- Dial *477# from your registered phone number
- Follow the prompts to register or check balance
- Receive SMS with your current NSSF balance
3. Visit NSSF Office or Call Customer Care
- Phone: Call 0709 174 000 (Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM)
- Email: info@nssf.or.ke
- Walk-in: Visit any NSSF office nationwide with your ID
What You'll See in Your Statement:
| Column | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Member Contribution | Your 6% deduction from salary |
| Employer Contribution | Your employer's matching 6% |
| Interest/Investment Income | Returns earned on your savings (8-10% annually) |
| Total Balance | All contributions + interest accumulated |
Pro Tip: Check your statement every 3 months to ensure your employer is remitting both your and their contributions. If you see missing months, report to NSSF immediately via 0709 174 000.
What happens if my employer doesn't remit my NSSF contributions?
Your employer is LEGALLY REQUIRED to remit NSSF contributions by the 9th of every month. Failure to do so is a criminal offense.
Employer's Legal Obligations:
- Deduct 6% from your salary (Tier I + Tier II)
- Add matching 6% from company funds
- Remit TOTAL 12% to NSSF by 9th of following month
- Provide you with payslip showing NSSF deduction
- Submit employer returns to NSSF monthly
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late remittance | 2% interest per month on unpaid amount |
| Failure to deduct | KES 50,000 fine or 1 year imprisonment |
| Deducting but not remitting | KES 100,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment |
| Repeated violations | Business closure + director prosecution |
How to Verify Employer is Remitting:
- Check your payslip - should show NSSF deduction clearly
- Login to NSSF Self-Service Portal (www.nssf.or.ke)
- View your monthly statement - contributions should appear within 2-3 weeks after deduction
- If missing, check for 2 months (sometimes delayed posting)
What to Do If Employer is Not Remitting:
- Step 1 - Approach Employer First:
- Ask HR/Accounts department politely about missing contributions
- Sometimes it's just delayed posting
- Request written confirmation of payment
- Step 2 - Report to NSSF:
- Call: 0709 174 000
- Email: info@nssf.or.ke
- Visit: Nearest NSSF office with payslips as proof
- NSSF will investigate and demand payment from employer
- Step 3 - Report to Ministry of Labour:
- If employer still refuses after NSSF intervention
- Ministry can prosecute and force compliance
Important: You are NOT responsible for paying missed contributions - your employer MUST pay both your portion and their portion, plus penalties. Your statement will be updated once employer pays, and your retirement benefits won't be affected (the debt follows the employer, not you).
Your Rights: Under Employment Act 2007, you can report wage-related violations anonymously. NSSF treats all complaints confidentially to protect employees from retaliation.
Where can I get official NSSF information and support?
Official NSSF Contact Channels:
1. NSSF Official Website
- Website: www.nssf.or.ke
- Access Self-Service Portal
- Download forms and guides
- Read latest news and updates
- Check current contribution rates
2. Customer Care Hotline
- Phone: 0709 174 000 / 0709 174 001
- Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Email: info@nssf.or.ke
- Social Media: Twitter @nssfkenya | Facebook: NSSF Kenya
3. NSSF Offices Nationwide
Head Office: Block A, Social Security House, Bishop Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi
Regional Offices:
- Nairobi: Social Security House, Bishop Road
- Mombasa: Ambalal House, Nkrumah Road
- Kisumu: Social Security House, Ang'awa Avenue
- Nakuru: Westside Mall, 3rd Floor
- Eldoret: Social Security House, Uganda Road
- Nyeri: Kimathi Way
- Thika: Commercial Street
- And other satellite offices in major towns
4. Online Services & Resources
- Self-Service Portal: Register, view statements, update details
- USSD Service: Dial *477# for quick balance inquiry
- Mobile App: Download "My NSSF" on Google Play / App Store
- Email Alerts: Subscribe for monthly contribution alerts
5. Related Government Bodies
| Organization | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) | Regulates pension schemes | www.rba.go.ke | 0709 668 000 |
| Ministry of Labour | Enforces employment laws | www.labour.go.ke | 0709 891 000 |
| National Treasury | Policy and oversight | www.treasury.go.ke |
Common Services Available:
- Member registration and updates
- Statement requests
- Benefits claims processing
- Employer compliance verification
- Missing contributions investigation
- Pension advice and counseling
- General inquiries
24/7 Access: While offices have working hours, the Self-Service Portal and USSD *477# are available 24/7. Register once and check your balance anytime from your phone or computer!
?? NSSF Contributions by Salary Level - Real Examples Kenya 2025
See exactly how much you and your employer contribute to NSSF at different salary levels. All amounts in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Entry Level & Junior Positions (KES 15,000 - 35,000)
KES 15,000/month
Shop Attendant, Security Guard, House Help
Monthly deduction: 6% of gross salary
KES 25,000/month
Office Assistant, Driver, Receptionist
Annual total: KES 36,000 (doubles your contribution!)
KES 35,000/month
Junior Clerk, Sales Agent, Cashier
By retirement (35 years): ~KES 3.5M savings!
Mid-Level Professionals (KES 50,000 - 80,000)
KES 50,000/month
Accountant, Teacher, Nurse, IT Support
Annual: KES 72,000 total contributions
KES 65,000/month
Senior Officer, Engineer, Auditor
Building substantial retirement savings
KES 80,000/month
Manager, Lawyer, Specialist Doctor
Close to maximum Tier 2 contribution
High Earners - Above Upper Limit (KES 72,000+)
KES 100,000/month
Senior Manager, Principal Officer
?? Maximum NSSF contribution reached!
KES 28,000 salary not covered by NSSF
KES 150,000/month
Director, Chief Officer, Consultant
NSSF covers only KES 72,000 of salary
Consider additional pension scheme
KES 250,000/month
CEO, Executive, Senior Consultant
Only 2.9% effective NSSF rate
Strongly advise private pension fund
?? NSSF Upper Limit Explained
The maximum pensionable salary for NSSF is KES 72,000/month (KES 8,000 Tier 1 + KES 64,000 Tier 2). Any salary above this does NOT attract NSSF contributions.
Example: If you earn KES 200,000/month, you still only contribute KES 4,320 to NSSF (6% of KES 72,000). Consider joining a private pension scheme for the remaining KES 128,000 to secure adequate retirement savings.
?? NSSF Contributions by Job Category & Industry - Kenya 2025
See typical salary ranges and NSSF contributions across different industries and job roles in Kenya. Browse latest jobs in Kenya including government jobs, NGO jobs, and online jobs.
Government & Public Sector Jobs
Teachers (TSC)
Primary/Secondary Teachers
Plus pension scheme separate
Nurses (Public)
County/National Hospitals
Annual: KES 32,400 total
Police Officers
National Police Service
Plus allowances not pensionable
Civil Servants
Ministries/Departments
Government pension scheme also
Private Sector - Corporate & Professional Services
Accountants
Firms & Corporate
CPA qualified higher salaries
IT Professionals
Software, Networks, Support
Max contribution reached at KES 72K+
Marketing Officers
Sales, Digital, Brand
Plus commission (not pensionable)
HR Professionals
Recruitment, Training, Admin
Growing demand for HR talent
Manufacturing, Construction & Engineering
Factory Workers
Production, Assembly
Essential protection for workers
Engineers
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
Capped at KES 72K pensionable
Construction Workers
Masons, Carpenters, Laborers
?? Often not remitted by contractors
Artisans
Electricians, Plumbers, Welders
Skilled trades in high demand
Service Industry - Hospitality, Retail, Security
Hotel Staff
Waiters, Cooks, Receptionists
Tips not included in NSSF calculation
Retail Assistants
Shop Attendants, Cashiers
Large employers comply better
Security Guards
Private Security Firms
Check payslip - many don't remit
Drivers
Corporate, Taxi, Delivery
Matatu/taxi drivers often informal
?? Industry Compliance Reality Check
High Compliance (90%+): Government, Banks, Telcos, Large Corporates - Reliably remit NSSF
Medium Compliance (60-80%): Manufacturing, Schools, Mid-size companies - Most remit, some delays
Low Compliance (30-50%): Construction, Small retail, Hospitality - Many don't remit despite deducting
Always verify: Login to NSSF portal monthly to confirm your contributions are being posted!
Looking for a new job? Check jobs in Kenya for opportunities in high-compliance sectors with better NSSF protection.
Important Disclaimer
General Information Only: This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available information and standard rates. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or tax advice.
Accuracy and Updates: While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information using official sources including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and other relevant government agencies, rates and regulations may change. Always verify current rates with official sources.
Seek Professional Advice: For specific tax planning, salary negotiations, financial decisions, or legal matters, please consult with qualified professionals such as certified accountants, tax advisors, financial planners, or legal practitioners who can consider your individual circumstances.
No Liability: Top Calculator and its operators accept no liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from the use of this calculator or reliance on its results. Users are responsible for verifying all calculations and information with official sources before making financial decisions.
Official Sources: For authoritative information, please refer to:
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) - www.kra.go.ke
- National Social Security Fund - www.nssfkenya.co.ke
- Social Health Insurance Fund - www.sha.go.ke
Last updated: January 2025. This disclaimer applies to all calculators on Top Calculator.
Calculator based on NSSF Act 2013 rates effective February 1, 2025
For official information, visit www.nssf.or.ke