NSSF boss sent on terminal leave

The National Social Security Fund has sent it managing trustee on terminal leave after the board declined to renew his contract.

It said Mr Alex Kazongo had failed to meet the set performance standards.

“The NSSF board of trustees further appointed Mr Tom Odongo, general manager (investments) in acting capacity,” said a press release signed by NSSF chairman Adan Mohamed.

The move paves the way for advertisement of the position, and is in line with a circular sent out last year by former head of public service, Mr Francis Muthaura, to guide re/appointment of chief executives in government bodies.

The workers’ umbrella body, Cotu, which is represented in the board by its secretary-general, Mr Francis Atwoli, said that Mr Kazongo was removed after evaluation of his work.

“The managing trustee was evaluated by the board and his performance was below average. The decision by the board should not be construed to mean there is a personal vendetta against the managing trustee, but it is based on performance,” Mr Atwoli said in statement sent to media houses.

Mr Atwoli added that a “few members” were “sympathetic” of Mr Kazongo, which should not be confused with his performance.

Previous holders

He said those who wanted the managing trustee out were demanding procurement issues be conducted above board and to see the fund’s assets grow.

The workers union said Mr Kazongo had not shown interest in growing the fund, which averaged Sh100 billion, from where it was left by the previous holders of trustee position, Mr Naftali Mogere and Mrs Rachel Lumbasyo.

“Collection of NSSF dues from employers has drastically gone down. He lacks the drive to move the fund to any higher level as was anticipated during his recruitment (in 2009),” the workers union boss said.