The Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson, Lyn Mengich has opposed plans by the parliament to reduce the retirement age for civil servants.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, on Tuesday, April 2, the chair stated the reduction of the retirement age would only increase the population under pension who are still productive.
Currently, the retirement age for civil servants is 60 while that of those who are differently abled is 65.
However, a proposal tabled to a parliamentary committee is requesting to lower the mandatory age limit for retirement to 55.
According to Parliament, lowering the age limit is aimed at creating vacancies and promoting the integration of Kenya’s youth into the Civil Service.
However, Mengich stated that lowering the age limit would not be the solution, as more people would be declared dependent on pensions and the workforce.
“If you say people retire at 55, these are people who are still productive they can still contribute effectively to the country. Why do you want to retire them early yet these are people who can contribute ?” stated Mengich
She further explained that the 55-year-old workforce is still productive and able to generate their income rather than being declared redundant.
According to Mengich, alternative ways to create employment would be ideal rather than a reduction of the mandatory age limit.
Furthermore, while addressing the issue of the current government wage bill, the SRC chair maintained that the privatisation of state corporations was key in the reduction of the wage bill.
She also maintained that there was duplication of roles that had prompted the inflated wage bill that is staggering the Kenyan taxpayers.
The Public Service Amendment Bill, 2023 sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, which is proposing the reduction of the age limit has been met by resistance from civil servants.
Trade unions have opposed it citing that these is a breach of contracts which were signed with the government during employment.
