National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has appointed Dr. Dennis Miskellah, the national deputy secretary general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), to the Board of Trustees of the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND). This appointment was made via Gazette Notice No. 15978 on October 9, 2026, and Miskellah will serve a three-year term. He was appointed under section 5(1) of the Local Authorities Provident Fund Act.
Miskellah's appointment to the LAPFUND Board comes at a critical moment, as counties owe over KSh 100 billion in unremitted pension contributions. KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah congratulated Miskellah on his appointment, expressing confidence that he will champion strict compliance and ensure workers' hard-earned savings are fully safeguarded. Atellah also noted that Miskellah assumes this role with a significant challenge ahead.
Dr. Dennis Miskellah has been the national deputy secretary general at KMPDU since 2022 and previously served as a branch leader within the union from 2020. As a medical doctor and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Miskellah holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi. His background in medicine and experience in union leadership make him well-suited for his new role.
LAPFUND was established in 1960 through an Act of Parliament and is regulated under the Retirement Benefits Act of 1997. The fund serves county government and water company employees across Kenya, with over 78,000 members nationwide. Members contribute 12% of their gross salary, while their sponsoring institutions contribute 15%. Miskellah will serve alongside a second newly named trustee, Kevin Owango Onyango.
The Local Authorities Provident Fund Act and the County Governments Act of 2012 govern LAPFUND's operations. As a trustee, Miskellah will play a crucial role in overseeing the fund's management and ensuring its sustainability. His appointment is expected to bring a new perspective to the board, particularly given his experience in advocating for workers' rights.
KMPDU is Kenya's primary union for medical practitioners, and Miskellah's appointment to the LAPFUND Board reflects the union's commitment to protecting its members' interests. With his medical background and experience in union leadership, Miskellah is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of pension fund management and advocate for the rights of LAPFUND members.
The appointment of Dr. Dennis Miskellah and Kevin Owango Onyango to the LAPFUND Board of Trustees is a significant development for the pension fund, which serves a large number of county government and water company employees. As the fund continues to manage over KSh 100 billion in unremitted pension contributions, Miskellah's leadership and expertise will be crucial in ensuring the fund's sustainability and protecting workers' savings.
Key points
- Dr. Dennis Miskellah, KMPDU deputy secretary general, appointed to LAPFUND Board of Trustees for a three-year term.
- Counties owe over KSh 100 billion in unremitted pension contributions to LAPFUND.
- Miskellah's appointment aims to champion strict compliance and safeguard workers' hard-earned savings.
