National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned that more than half of sitting Members of Parliament are unlikely to return after the next general election, citing a high attrition rate revealed in a recent actuarial report.

Speaking at the 2026 National Assembly Legislative Retreat at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, Wetang’ula said the report, presented during a pensions committee he chairs, shows that 56 per cent of MPs do not retain their seats after an election.

“Yesterday, I chaired a committee on pensions, and the actuarial report shows that, on average, our attrition rate is 56 per cent. As we sit here, at least 56 per cent will not see the inside of Parliament next election,” he said.

The Speaker used the figures to highlight the need for proper financial planning for legislators, stressing that life after Parliament should be secure and dignified. He noted that many MPs leave office with significantly reduced earnings, which can make post-Parliament life difficult if proper measures are not in place.

Securing MPs’ future finances

Wetang’ula urged all legislators to contribute to the parliamentary pension scheme to safeguard their financial stability. He said the discussions at the retreat on Members’ pensions and transition planning reflected a broader effort to ensure that public service is respected both during and after tenure.

“Political attrition is unavoidable. The consequence is exit from Parliament, which comes with diminished earnings. We must ensure there is life, and good life, after you leave Parliament,” he said.

The Speaker also highlighted the proposed Pension Amendment Bill sponsored by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu as a long-term solution. Wetang’ula said the bill had been extensively reviewed by the pensions committee, actuarial experts, parliamentary management, and the National Treasury.

“I have carefully reviewed this one with Makali Mulu, the pensions committee, actuarial advisers, parliamentary management and Treasury representatives. We have refined it and, in my view, it is a good bill for you,” he added.

Beyond pensions, Wetang’ula urged MPs to refocus on their core duties in the August House. He reminded them that Parliament holds the ‘power of the purse’ and must pay attention to budget estimates and numerical adjustments to ensure that spending aligns with key policy priorities.