Government ministries and departments will now be required to submit necessary documents to the pension department within 30 days of an employee’s retirement to speed up the release of their pension funds.
This is after the National Assembly passed the Pension (Amendment) Bill 2022 which if approved by President William Ruto, will fast-track the handling of pensions for those retiring from the civil service.
The Bill, which was approved by MPs after extensive debate on the floor of the House, seeks to among other things, amend the Pensions Act to establish a clear timeline for pension disbursement.
As a result of the proposed changes, government ministries and departments will now be required to submit necessary documents to the pensions department within 30 days of an employee’s retirement.
Subsequently, the pensions department will have a 60-day window to process pension payments for retirees.
The Bill sponsored by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was met with widespread approval from members of the National Assembly during the debate.
Barasa highlighted the amendments that will reduce the time retirees have to wait for their pensions.
“This Bill will ensure that people who retire in this country get their pensions in not more than 90 days, solving the current backlog,” Barasa said.
Seconding the motion, Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku said that the Bill will bring much-needed financial stability to senior citizens.
- Treasury unveils new retirement policy for healthcare, retirement homes
- Unfulfilled pledges that haunt Uhuru in retirement
Kesses MP Julius Rutto emphasized the plight of retirees who often endure lengthy delays in accessing their entitlements.
“Retirees are going to bed hungry without their benefits. This Bill will protect them and ensure timely access to their pensions,” he said.
Homa Bay MP, Peter Kaluma, highlighted the critical importance of timely pension payments for retirees’ financial stability.
“Many retirees wait up to 20 years to receive their pensions. The proposed 90-day timeline is a significant improvement,” Kaluma said.
Sigowet MP Justice Kemei said most public servants are heavily inconvenienced after retirement trying to access their pensions.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga underscored the need to address the backlog of pension cases and provide adequate care for retirees.
Following the passage of the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2022), the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula is expected to present the Bill to the President for assent.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
