27-Year Wait: The Struggle Of 11,000 Retired Kenyan Teachers Awaiting Pension Payment
In a poignant reminder of the bureaucracy and challenges within Kenya’s pension system, over 11,000 retired teachers find themselves still waiting for pension payments, a staggering 27 years after their retirement. This ongoing ordeal has recently resurfaced, shedding light on the enduring hardships faced by these former educators and the complexities of resolving their claims.
The issue came to the forefront during a parliamentary session on September 27, 2023, where Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u addressed lawmakers. He assured them that the government is committed to resolving this matter but noted that the funds released in May, amounting to Ksh16 billion, were insufficient to cover all the outstanding pension claims.
A challenging aspect of this situation is the sheer number of revised claims received by the National Treasury. Out of 23,267 claims reported by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) dating back to 1997, 22,317 have been processed. However, the timeline for disbursing the remaining balances remains uncertain, pending resource availability.
Adding further complexity to the situation is an ongoing court case surrounding the payment of these claims. This legal battle has been exacerbated by the unfortunate passing of some retired teachers, leaving their families without the financial support they were entitled to.
While the government has declared its commitment to settling these long-overdue payments, concerns linger about the Ksh16 billion remittance. Some lawmakers questioned whether this amount covers all pension payments or specifically addresses the pensions of retired individuals previously excluded from the system.
The story of these retired teachers is a testament to their resilience and the enduring nature of their struggle. They initially fought a protracted legal battle and secured their pensions in 2008. However, it was only this year that the disbursements began, leaving many retirees still unpaid.
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It’s worth noting that teachers who retired after July 2003 are exempt from receiving these benefits due to salary increases they received as part of the 1997 salary adjustment.
Akelo Misori, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education, has called on Members of Parliament to exert pressure on the Treasury to expedite these payments, offering hope to the retired teachers who have long awaited their dues.
As the government navigates this complex issue, it underscores the importance of a streamlined and efficient pension system to ensure that public servants, especially educators who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of Kenya, receive the support they deserve upon retirement. The plight of these 11,000 retired teachers serves as a powerful reminder of the need for reform and greater accountability within Kenya’s pension system.
27-Year Wait: The Struggle Of 11,000 Retired Kenyan Teachers Awaiting Pension Payment
