Kambi sacks NSSF boss over board row

National Social Security Fund chief executive Tom Odongo was on Monday sacked as the parastatal prepares to roll out a Sh100 billion pension plan.

On Monday, Labour Secretary Kazungu Kambi declined to divulge the circumstances surrounding Mr Odongo’s sacking, only insisting that action against him has been taken in accordance with the law.

Social welfare

The NSSF chief has been kicked out of the giant retirement benefits scheme just after he launched campaigns to introduce a new social welfare scheme for Kenyan employers, which has been heavily criticised by private pension schemes in the country.

He was ordered to hand over office to company secretary Hope Mwashumbe and return all company properties in his possession.

In a letter dated July 22, Mr Kambi states that Mr Odongo would be paid three months salary in lieu of notice in accordance with the contract he signed when he was employed by the NSSF about two years ago.

Board advisory

“I regret to inform you that your employment with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) shall be terminated with immediate effect and in accordance with paragraph 20 of your contract,” Mr Kambi said in his letter.

The Cabinet Secretary, however, told the Nation that he acted following an advisory from the parastatal’s board.

“This decision has come following a recommendation from the board. Probably there is something the board is up to,” Mr Kambi stated on Monday.