Members of Parliament have approved a Bill allowing retirees to receive their pensions within 60 days of submitting their documents.
The Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2022 amends the Pensions Act to establish a clear timeline for pension disbursement.
In the new changes, the government ministries and departments must 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 was sponsored by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, who argued that it would reduce the waiting time if approved.
“This Bill that will ensure that people who retire in this country get their pensions in not more than 90 days. Solving the current back log,” Didmus stated.
The motion was seconded by Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku indicating that the Bill will bring much-needed financial stability to senior citizens.
Other MPs
Other MPs also expressed their strong support for the Bill. 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,” he stated. “This Bill will protect them and ensure timely access to their pensions,” Rutto stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Homa Bay Town 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,” he said. “The proposed 90-day timeline is a significant improvement.”
On his part, Justice Kemei (Sigowet Soin) said, “Most public servants are heavily inconvenienced after retirement trying to access their pensions. This Bill is good.”
Tigania West MP John Mutunga 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 there issues handled. Requiring the pensions department Tom process in a timely manner will work and help clear the backlog,” stated John Mutunga.
Following the passage Pensions (Amendment) Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2022), the Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to present the Bill for assent.
