The National Assembly of Kenya has passed the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2022).
The bill aims to establish a clear timeline for the processing and disbursement of pensions, providing much-needed relief to retirees.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), was approved by lawmakers on Wednesday, 7th August 2024.
The amendments to the Pensions Act will require government ministries and departments to submit the 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 the pension payments for retirees, ensuring that the entire process is completed within 90 days.
During the third reading of the bill, Hon. Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “This Bill that will ensure that people who retire in this country get their pensions in a period of not more than 90 days. Solving the current backlog.”
Seconding the motion, Hon. Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba) highlighted the financial stability that this bill will bring to senior citizens, while Hon. Julius Rutto (Kesses) underscored the plight of retirees who often endure lengthy delays in accessing their entitlements.
“Retirees are going to bed hungry without their benefits,” he stated. “This Bill will protect them and ensure timely access to their pensions.”
Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Peter Kaluma (Homabay) emphasized the critical importance of timely pension payments for retirees’ financial stability, noting that “Many retirees wait up to 20 years to receive their pensions.”
Hon. Justice Kemei (Sigowet Soin) also expressed his support, stating, “Most public servants are heavily inconvenienced after retirement trying to access their pensions. This Bill is good.”
Hon. Dr. John Mutunga (Tigania West) underscored the need to address the backlog of pension cases and provide adequate care for retirees.
“We need to have retirees taken care of and their issues handled. Requiring the pensions department to process in a timely manner will work and help clear the backlog,” he stated.
Following the passage of the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, the Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to present the bill for assent, paving the way for its implementation and the much-awaited relief for Kenya’s retirees.
