Kenyan retirement age regulations for teachers and lecturers continue to spark interest and debate.
In 2009, the government raised the retirement age for public employees, including teachers, from 55 to 60 years, aiming to keep skilled staff longer in the workforce. Teachers with disabilities, however, can work until 65.
Some teachers choose to retire early. For those meeting the conditions, early retirement can start as soon as age 50 if they have at least 10 years of continuous, pensionable service.
Teachers who wish to retire early must submit an application, including a three-month notice, through their institution’s head. Once approved, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) processes the application, forwarding it to the Treasury’s Director of Pensions for payment.
The retirement age for university lecturers, however, remains a controversial subject. The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has advocated for an increase, proposing ages between 65 and 75, to retain experienced educators.
However, the labor court rejected this appeal, referencing the standard retirement age of 60 for public workers. UASU criticized this decision, warning that a mandatory 60-year exit risks reducing educational quality by losing seasoned faculty members.
Kenya’s pension system for teachers has also undergone changes. Traditionally, teachers received pensions based on years worked and the average salary in their last years of employment, with payments calculated using a set formula.
However, recent adjustments now require teachers to contribute 7.5% of their monthly salary to the new Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS), aimed at reducing the government’s pension expenses.
In addition to pensions, teachers may also receive other benefits, including service pensions, marriage and injury gratuities, death benefits, and annual allowances, provided under the Pensions Act without requiring any additional contributions.
By Newshub