This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
Friday, November 8, 2019, marked a significant day for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) threatened to move to court to compel the Labour Ministry and the board of the NSSF to appoint a managing trustee, the equivalent of a CEO, to fill the position that has been vacant in the past five years.
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli stated that any efforts by the Board of Trustees to recruit a new and substantive holder of the office have been frustrated 'by individuals with selfish interests.'
The current NSSF acting managing trustee and most senior managers are serving in an acting capacity, which Cotu claims is now likely to derail operations at NSSF and Cotu.
Mr. Atwoli noted that six months ago, a meeting was held with the board and a representation from Cotu 'where the current Acting Managing Trustee Anthony Omerikwa emerged top and the Board of Trustees was unanimous that he be appointed to the position.'
However, Cotu has since written to Board of Trustees Chairman General (Rtd) Julius Karangi seeking answers on why the candidate who emerged top during the interview is yet to be appointed, but their letter remains unanswered.
With the deep silence from the two and with the imminent danger that this development poses to the Fund, Cotu will be in court early next week on the same.
