Speaking candidly, the President said it is unacceptable that Kenya has remained stuck with very low contributions for years as other nations build strong investment funds.
Using Tanzania as an example, Ruto said it is shocking that a smaller economy can raise so much money through its pension system that it is now investing heavily in Kenya.
“Imagine Tanzania, a smaller economy, wako na pesa mingi mpaka wanakuja kununua shamba hapa Upper Hill, wanajenga nyumba ya ghorofa,” he said.
According to the President, this should worry Kenyans and their leaders.
Ruto noted that Tanzanian pension funds are investing in prime areas such as Upper Hill, building high-rise buildings and creating wealth for their people.
Meanwhile, Kenya has been left behind because of outdated policies and resistance to change.
“They are investing na sisi tumelala, bado tunalipa shilingi 200. Hiyo inaitwa ujinga,” he added, stressing that the old system makes no economic sense.
The President explained that the old NSSF contribution of KSh 200 per month was too little to build meaningful savings or support large investments.
He said such low contributions cannot help workers secure their future or allow the fund to play a strong role in national development.
In his view, this is why Kenya has missed many opportunities over the years.
Ruto defended the decision to increase NSSF contributions, saying it is meant to protect workers in the long term.
He argued that stronger pension funds lead to bigger investments, more jobs, and better returns for contributors.
According to him, countries that have taken this path are now enjoying stable retirement systems and growing economies.