Paying National Social Security Fund contributions for your company no longer needs to be slow or complicated. With M-Pesa, employers can remit monthly NSSF payments quickly, securely, and entirely on their mobile phones.
The National Social Security Fund requires all registered employers to submit monthly pension contributions for their employees. These contributions play a critical role in securing employees’ retirement benefits and ensuring compliance with Kenyan labour laws.
Each monthly contribution equals 12 percent of an employee’s pensionable wages, shared equally between the employer and the employee. This guide explains, step by step, how to pay NSSF for a company via M-Pesa, what you need before paying, and key things to watch out for to avoid penalties.
Understanding NSSF Payments for Employers
Before making any payment, it is important to understand how NSSF contributions work.
Key points employers should know:
- Contributions are mandatory for registered employers
- Payments must be made monthly
- Returns must be uploaded before payment
- Each payment is linked to a Unique Payment Number
Failure to follow the correct process can result in delayed posting, penalties, or compliance issues.
What You Need Before Paying NSSF via M-Pesa
To successfully pay NSSF using M-Pesa, ensure the following steps are completed first:
- Your company is registered with NSSF
- Monthly payroll returns are uploaded on the NSSF eServices portal
- An E-slip has been generated
- You have the correct Unique Payment Number
The Unique Payment Number is essential, as it acts as the account number during payment.
How to Get Your Unique Payment Number
The Unique Payment Number, commonly known as UPN, is generated after you submit your monthly returns.
Follow these steps to obtain it:
- Log in to the NSSF eServices portal
- Upload your company’s monthly payroll returns
- Submit the returns for processing
- Generate the E-slip
- Locate and note the Unique Payment Number on the E-slip
Without a valid UPN, NSSF payments via M-Pesa cannot be completed.
How to Pay NSSF for a Company via M-Pesa
Once you have your UPN, you can proceed with payment using your mobile phone.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Open the M-Pesa menu on your phone
- Select Lipa na M-Pesa
- Choose PayBill
- Enter 333300 as the Business Number
- Enter your Unique Payment Number as the Account Number
- Input the total amount you wish to pay
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- Confirm the transaction
After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa indicating that the payment has been successfully sent to NSSF.
Important Things to Note When Paying NSSF via M-Pesa
Paying attention to these details helps prevent errors and penalties.
Pay Before the 15th of Every Month
NSSF contributions must be paid on or before the 15th day of each month. Late payments may attract penalties or enforcement action.
Always Confirm UPN Accuracy
Entering an incorrect UPN can cause the payment to reflect under the wrong account or fail to post. Always verify the number from your E-slip before submitting payment.
Use Only the Official NSSF Paybill
The only official NSSF M-Pesa Paybill number is 333300. Avoid using unofficial numbers to protect your company from fraud and financial loss.
After Payment: What Happens Next
Once payment is made:
- NSSF receives the funds
- The payment is matched to your account using the UPN
- Your company’s contribution record is updated
- You can confirm payment status through the NSSF portal
Always keep your M-Pesa confirmation message as proof of payment until the transaction reflects fully in your NSSF account.
Need Help with NSSF M-Pesa Payments?
If you experience challenges with uploading returns, generating a UPN, or making payments, NSSF customer support can assist.
You can reach NSSF through:
- Phone: 0709 583 000 or 0730 882 000
- Twitter: @NSSF_ke
- Facebook: NSSF Kenya
Their support teams can help resolve payment errors, account mismatches, and compliance concerns.
Paying NSSF via M-Pesa is one of the fastest and safest methods available to employers in Kenya. As long as you upload your returns first, use the correct UPN, and pay before the deadline, the process remains smooth and fully compliant.
