Judges who reach the retirement age will soon be entitled to improved retirement packages, including enhanced benefits for their spouses and children, if the Judges' Retirement Benefits Bill 2025 is approved by Parliament.
The bill was passed by the Cabinet in April and is now open to public participation until July 11.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a dedicated pension and benefits framework for superior court judges, replacing the outdated provisions of the General Pensions Act.
It introduces a Defined Benefit Scheme for current judges and a defined contribution scheme for those appointed after the law comes into effect.
For those already in office, the Bill guarantees a monthly pension or gratuity for those who have served for at least 10 years.
Judges who retire after reaching the age of 65 and meet the service threshold will be entitled to a pension equal to two-thirds of their annual pensionable compensation or more, depending on commutation options.
One notable provision in the Bill is the family-focused benefits, where if a judge dies in service or after retirement, their spouse will receive 50 per cent of their pension for five years.
In the case of multiple spouses, the amount is shared equally. Children are also entitled to a portion of the pension, ranging from 12.5 per cent for one child to 50 per cent for four or more.
Judges are also entitled to non-pension benefits, including transport allowance of up to 120 litres of fuel per month for 10 years, paid as a lump sum, a lifetime insurance cover for themselves and their spouses, diplomatic passports, and access to VIP lounges at all Kenyan airports.
Judges appointed at the commencement of the Act will benefit from a Judges’ Retirement Benefits Fund with a 7.5 per cent contribution from the judge and 15 per cent from the government.
These judges will also enjoy life insurance, voluntary contribution options, and flexible withdrawal methods upon retirement.
Judges who retire early due to mental and physical incapacity have also not been left out, with the Bill allowing them to receive a service gratuity based on their pensionable emoluments.
Judges who retired before August 27, 2010, are not left out. The Bill entitles them to medical cover, diplomatic passports, and VIP airport access for themselves and their spouses.
Kenyans can submit their comments about the Bill to the Department Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs. The memoranda may also be forwarded to the Clerk of the National Assembly at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.
