The National Social Security Fund reaffirmed the critical role of social security protection in strengthening Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry during the 22nd Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Annual Investors Symposium and Charity Golf Tournament held in Malindi from 25th – 27th June 2026.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism Growth for Global Excellence,” the symposium brought together government leaders, hospitality investors, industry executives and development partners to discuss the future of one of Kenya’s most important economic sectors.
The event was officially opened by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Prof. Amb. Chris Bitok, who emphasized the importance of strong public-private sector collaboration in accelerating the growth of Kenya’s tourism industry. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening destination marketing, diversifying tourism products, improving service standards and creating an enabling investment environment to support sustainable sector growth.
Discussions throughout the symposium focused on strategies for enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness, sustainability, role of education and training in skills development, the application of artificial intelligence in hospitality, and the importance of mental health in promoting executive effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. The KAHC delegation was led by the Chairman Chris Musau and CEO Mike Macharia.
NSSF was represented by the Coast Region team led by Regional Manager Nelson Tonui, Malindi Branch Manager Elizabeth Mwawuda, Assistant Manager, Marketing and Customer Experience, Rose Marienga, and officers from the Marketing and Corporate Communications Department. Mr. Tonui delivered a presentation on Social Protection as a Pillar of Sustainable Tourism and NSSF’s Role in Kenya’s Global Hospitality Story.
In its presentation, NSSF emphasized that the long-term success of Kenya’s hospitality industry depends not only on visitor numbers and investment, but also on the financial security of the workers who power the sector. The Fund highlighted the growing retirement challenge facing the country, noting that many Kenyans reach retirement without adequate savings, forcing them to continue working or depend on family support.
NSSF further noted that although the hospitality and food services sector employ more than 100,000 formal workers, social security coverage remains below its potential due to seasonal employment, casual labour and contribution gaps. The Fund called on employers and employees to embrace long-term retirement saving as an essential component of sustainable business practice and decent work.
The symposium also provided an opportunity for NSSF to brief industry stakeholders on the implementation of the NSSF Act No. 45 of 2013 and the ongoing transition. Participants were updated on the Fund’s strong financial performance during the 2024/25 financial year, including the declaration of a historic 17% interest credit to members, continued growth in Fund assets and an increase in active contributing members, demonstrating the value of disciplined, long-term saving.
The Fund also highlighted the growing link between social protection and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, noting that pension coverage and decent work are increasingly recognized as indicators of sustainable and responsible business. By strengthening social security compliance, hospitality businesses can enhance workforce resilience, improve their sustainability credentials and contribute to a more competitive tourism destination.
As part of its commitment to the sector, NSSF proposed closer collaboration with KAHC through joint advocacy, member education and awareness initiatives aimed at expanding pension coverage across the hospitality industry. The three-day symposium concluded with the KAHC Charity Golf Tournament at the Malindi Golf & Country Club, providing an opportunity for networking and strengthening partnerships among industry stakeholders.
The Fund remains committed to partnering with employers and industry stakeholders to strengthen compliance, promote voluntary savings opportunities for casual and seasonal workers, and ensure that every Kenyan worker has the opportunity to retire with dignity. Through sustainable saving and inclusive social protection, NSSF continues to support a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive hospitality sector.
