The gazettement of the 1 and above group of employers is the most significant change in the NSSF Act since the maximum Standard contribution was increased to Kshs. 400.00 in December, 2001.

The gazettement of 1 and above will Improve coverage. Employees that have been employed in establishments that engage less than 5 employees have been disadvantaged because their counterparts in companies engaging 5 and above were well catered for by the law. The gazette notice targets participation of both the employee and the employer.  

Before the gazette notice, it was already mandatory for all employers to register as members of National Social Security Fund under legal notice no 8 of 1975. Employers with less than five employees on their payroll were not compelled to contribute. A considerable number chose to do so because of benefits provided by the NSSF and the need to provide social security to workers in their establishments. 

It is now mandatory for all employers to contribute to the NSSF. The Fund calls upon any unregistered employer to process their registration immediately with National Social Security Fund. Employer application forms (SF 1) are available and can be obtained from the nearest NSSF Branch Office. Contributions are due to the Fund w.e.f. 1 November 2009.