Shelve reduction of retirement age plans, Unionists tell Parliament

Thika,

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

KNA by Muoki Charles

Trade Unionists have called on Parliament to shelve plans to reduce the retirement age to 55 years, citing a breach of contractual terms.

They said as trade unions, they will oppose the plans, saying stakeholders and civil servants have not been consulted.

Speaking in Thika Tuesday, the Unionists said the Collective Bargaining Agreement that they have with the employees lasts until they reach the age of 60 years and should not be breached. Led by Thomas Kipkemboi, the Deputy Secretary General of Kenya Plantation and Allied Workers Union (KPAWU), they said it would have made sense if the 55-year retirement age was introduced to new employees.

 He said both civil servants and those in the private sector mandatory retirement age should remain at 60 years and 55 years for those willing to retire voluntarily.

They said those currently working under permanent and pensionable terms have their retirement age outlined in their pay slips and reducing it through legislation would face legal challenges.

 “The contractual terms in the pay slips have the civil servants retire after attaining 60 years. How then do legislators think they can legislate on this? This might only apply to new employees. We hope the country’s workforce will not suffer in the long term due to such uncertainties,” said Kipkemboi.

He said at 55 years old, most workers are strong, highly experienced, and can deliver and that losing such a group might be detrimental to service delivery.

The Public Service Amendment Bill, 2023 sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru is currently on the Committee stage and seeks to reduce the retirement age for civil servants to 55 years.

The bill that is currently at the committee stage seeks to create more jobs in the public service.

Courtesy; KNA