Teachers propose pension law reforms to fast-track payouts for retirees

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called for changes to the Pension Law to ensure retiring teachers receive their payments without delay.

The union has raised concerns over the extended waiting period teachers endure before receiving their pensions, sometimes lasting more than three years.

Speaking during the annual meeting of the union's Kirinyaga branch, KNUT's National Female Representative Mercy Ndung'u, urged that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) be granted the authority to handle pension disbursements directly.

She argued that the current system, which relies on the Central Treasury, is inefficient and leaves many teachers in financial distress after retirement.

“To avoid that delay, TSC should be given the authority to handle pensions for retired teachers,” Ndung’u said, adding that some retirees even pass away before receiving their funds.

Ndung'u emphasised the need for immediate pension payouts, stating, that teachers deserve better.

"This is not fair at all. We want all teachers to get their money right after retirement so they can start businesses or projects to increase their income," Ndung’u said.

The government provides retirement benefits to public officers as part of their terms of service with a view to providing them with social security in old age as stipulated in Article 43(1)(e) of the Constitution.

The Pension Act (Cap.189) makes provisions for granting and regulating the payment of pensions, gratuities and other allowances in respect of public service officers.

The provision of retirement benefits to public officers is intended to ensure a smooth transition from active service with employment income to retirement with a certain level of replacement income.

This is so that the standard of living for public officers does not change drastically in old age.