Download the NSSF Employers Application for Registration Form (SF.01)
Running a business in Kenya comes with a lot of moving parts, but ensuring your team’s social security isn’t just a legal “must”—it’s a foundation of a healthy workplace. Every employer in Kenya, whether you’re a multi-national corporation, a small shop in Biashara Street, or someone hiring a domestic worker, is required to register with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Below is the link to the NSSF Employers Application for Registration Form
NSSF Employers Application for Registration Form
Above is the link to the NSSF Employers Application for Registration Form
In 2026, with the Year 4 (2026) NSSF Contribution Rates now in effect, staying compliant ensures you avoid heavy penalties and provide your employees with a safety net for their retirement.
FAQ: Registering as an NSSF Employer in 2026
Q: Which form do I need to register as an employer? A: You need the SF.01 Form, formally known as the Employers Application for Registration. This form captures your business details, location, and the number of employees you currently have on your payroll.
Q: What documents must I attach to the SF.01 Form? A: The NSSF requires proof of your business’s legal existence. Depending on your setup, you will need:
-
For Companies/Partnerships: Certificate of Incorporation or Business Name Registration and a copy of the KRA PIN Certificate for the business.
-
For Individual/Domestic Employers: A copy of your National ID Card, Passport, or Alien ID.
-
Operational Documents: A copy of your current Trading License or Single Business Permit.
Q: Can I register as an employer online? A: Yes! While you can download the manual form below, the NSSF has a robust Employer Self-Service Portal.
-
Visit the NSSF Self Service Portal.
-
Click on “Employer Pre-Registration”.
-
Fill in the details, print the application notification, and take it to your nearest NSSF branch for final certification and to receive your Pin Key.
Q: What is the deadline for registering my business? A: According to the NSSF Act, any employer who engages at least one employee must register with the Fund within 21 days of starting operations or hiring that employee.
Q: How do the 2026 contribution rates work? A: As of February 2026, the NSSF has entered its Year 4 phase of the graduated contribution scale. Contributions are split into two tiers:
-
Tier I: Based on the Lower Earnings Limit.
-
Tier II: Based on the Upper Earnings Limit. Both you and your employee contribute 6% each, making it a total of 12% of the pensionable earnings, subject to the set 2026 caps.
Q: What happens after I submit the form? A: Once your application is processed, you will be issued a unique NSSF Employer Number. You will use this number for all future monthly returns and payments. In 2026, all returns must be submitted electronically via the portal—NSSF no longer accepts returns on flash disks or CDs.
Secure Your Business Compliance
Failing to register or pay contributions by the 9th day of the following month attracts a penalty of 5% for each month or part of a month the amount remains unpaid. Don’t let penalties eat into your profits—get registered today.
