Strategic Responses by National Social Security Fund to Competition From Other Pension Funds in Kenya
Abstract
Organizations operate within an environment that influences its business operations positively or
negatively depending on the nature of its business. The environment is not only dynamic but also
turbulent, discontinuous and unpredictable. The survival and success of an organization is only
possible when the organization creates and maintains a match between its strategy and the
environment, and also between its internal capability and the strategy. Organizations formulate
strategies that help them meet the requirements of the stakeholders. Every organization has
competitors who influence strategy process and consequently determine the organization's
purpose that result in terms of its achievement.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was established in 1965 by an Act of Parliament
under cap 258 Laws of Kenya and serves as a first pillar of social security for Kenyan workers.
The Kenyan social security sector has recently been growing at high rate due to the inclusion of
new player in social security services, which was previously solely managed by NSSF. This has
led to a competitive situation where social security institutions are searching for ways to manage
in this competitive sector. This study, therefore, sought to determine the strategic responses
adopted by NSSF in competing with other pension funds in Kenya. The study used interview
guides to collect the data from five general managers who are the heads of the five divisions in
the N.S.S.F. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.
The study finings indicate that NSSF has stipulated strategic plans aimed at enhancing
competitive advantage in response to internal and external environmental forces. The strategies
include increasing membership base, improving range and level of benefits, business process and
v
organizational structures, management of human capital, information management and corporate
imaging. The study recommends continuous monitoring and evaluation of the process of
implementation of strategic plans, increase in the scope of available benefits and membership
coverage and adherence to recruitment of highly qualified staff
Publisher
University of Nairobi