The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme has explained how thousands of young Kenyans can benefit from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Haba Haba savings scheme, with eligible beneficiaries set to receive a matching contribution of up to KSh3,000.
The World Bank-supported programme said all NYOTA beneficiaries are automatically enrolled into the NSSF Haba Haba savings scheme, eliminating the need for separate registration.
According to NYOTA, the initiative is aimed at helping young people develop a savings culture, improve financial discipline and build long-term financial security while participating in the programme.
NYOTA Explains How the Matching Contribution Works
NYOTA said the NSSF Haba Haba scheme matches voluntary savings at a 2:1 ratio, meaning the project contributes KSh1 for every KSh2 saved.
A beneficiary who saves KSh1,000 will receive an additional KSh500, bringing the total savings to KSh1,500.
Those who save KSh6,000 qualify for the maximum matching contribution of KSh3,000, increasing their total savings to KSh9,000.
However, beneficiaries who save more than KSh6,000 will still receive the maximum bonus of KSh3,000. For example, someone who saves KSh7,000 will have KSh10,000 in their savings account.
To qualify for the matching contribution, beneficiaries must save consistently for at least six months.
Automatic Savings From NYOTA Benefits
Beneficiaries who qualify for the Business Support Programme receive KSh25,000 in two tranches to support their enterprises.
From each tranche, KSh3,000 is automatically deposited into the beneficiary’s NSSF Haba Haba savings wallet.
Those enrolled in the On-the-Job Experience Programme receive a monthly stipend of KSh6,000 for six months.
From each monthly payment, KSh720 is automatically credited to the beneficiary’s NSSF Haba Haba savings account, allowing participants to earn income while building their savings.
Also Read: Govt Explains NYOTA Delay, Sets June 30 Payment Date
How Savings Are Managed
According to NYOTA, beneficiaries’ savings are split into two categories:
- 30 percent Short-Term Savings, accessible one year after saving begins.
- 70 percent Long-Term Savings, where half becomes available after five years, while the remaining balance is preserved to support future life goals.
The programme said this structure is intended to encourage long-term financial planning while still allowing beneficiaries access to part of their savings.
Beyond the automatic deductions, beneficiaries are encouraged to make additional voluntary contributions to grow their savings faster.
Participants can top up their NSSF Haba Haba savings wallet at any time, with contributions starting from as little as KSh25 per day, KSh175 per week or KSh400 per month.
The programme said regular saving not only increases personal savings but also helps beneficiaries qualify for the matching contribution.
Beneficiaries can conveniently monitor and manage their savings through the *NSSF USSD code 254# or the NSSF Haba Haba digital wallet.
The digital platforms allow users to check account balances, track contributions, monitor matching incentives, and make additional voluntary deposits at any time.
Also Read: How World Bank-Funded Project Birthed NYOTA Program, Promising Ksh 50K for Jobless Kenyans
Maternity Benefit for Female Beneficiaries
Female beneficiaries enrolled in the programme can also access maternity support through the NSSF Haba Haba scheme.
To qualify, a beneficiary must opt into the maternity benefit through the NSSF USSD code *254#, notify NSSF during the second trimester of pregnancy, and contribute KSh400 per month for four consecutive months, amounting to a total premium of KSh1,600.
Eligible mothers receive KSh4,000 per month for four months after childbirth, totaling KSh16,000 in maternity benefits.
The benefit also applies in cases of stillbirth after seven months of pregnancy, subject to verification by NSSF.
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