Cabinet approves Bill granting Judges special retirement benefits
Under the Bill, serving judges will be placed under a Defined Benefit system, which guarantees them fixed monthly pensions upon retirement.
Judges of Kenya’s superior courts are set to enjoy improved retirement packages under a new law endorsed by the Cabinet as part of efforts to promote good governance and protect judicial independence.
The Judges Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025, proposes a special retirement benefits scheme designed exclusively for judges, separating them from the general pensions system that covers other public officers.
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The Cabinet on Tuesday, through its despatch, said the law recognises the unique nature of judicial service and aims to ensure that those who serve in the courts are financially secure during retirement.
“The Bill establishes a dedicated pension and retirement benefits framework for judges of the superior courts, moving them away from the general Pensions Act and recognising the unique demands of judicial service,” reads the despatch.
Under the Bill, serving judges will be placed under a Defined Benefit system, which guarantees them fixed monthly pensions upon retirement.
In contrast, new appointees will be placed under a Defined Contribution system, where retirement benefits are based on their contributions over time.
Both systems are intended to provide judges with stable and secure incomes after leaving the bench.
The Cabinet said the new law introduces a complete retirement framework that supports broader reforms in the public sector pension system. It also aims to attract highly qualified legal professionals into the judiciary by offering better retirement incentives and promoting a sense of career stability.
Retired judges and their spouses will receive monthly pensions, gratuities, and medical cover. In addition, they will enjoy diplomatic privileges, which the government says will allow them to retire with dignity after years of service under demanding ethical standards.
The Cabinet emphasised that the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill is not just a pension law but a key part of ensuring that judicial officers maintain their independence throughout their careers, free from financial pressures during and after service.
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