FAQs

A pension is a retirement plan that guarantees a retiree a set amount of money every month, for life. This applies to officer who have served in pensionable office and has completed the qualifying service and retires from service on grounds that qualify him for pension. The benefit formula is tied to years of service and a retirees’ last basic salary.

The qualifying service for pension is 10 years while the qualifying age for pension is 50 years.

The mandatory retirement age in the Public Service is 60 years. However, for people living with disabilities and who are registered members of the National Council for People Living with Disabilities (NCPLWD), the mandatory retirement age is 65 years.

A pensioner is allowed to commute one quarter of the unreduced pension and hence receive first, the commuted lump sum and a reduced pension per month for the rest of their life.

The minimum pension w.e.f 1/7/2005 is Kshs.2,000.00

The current pension increase policy introduced biennial pension increase w.e.f 1/7/2005 capped at the rate of 3%. This increase is provided for in the Pensions Increase Act, Cap 190

Pension for public servants covered under schemes administered by the Pensions Department can be subjected to deductions only to recover government liability or maintenance amounts ordered by a Court of Law to cater for children of a pensioner.

Dependants pension is only payable to the widow/s of a deceased pensioner and children of the deceased. In the case of a polygamous family, dependants pension is apportioned equally among the number of widows/families of the deceased. Dependants pension is payable for a maximum of five (5) years effective from the date of death of a deceased pensioner.

The widow/s and children of a deceased pensioner who was a member of the WCPS are the only eligible beneficiaries for this benefit. The WCP is payable to the widow/s for the rest of their lives while the children’s share is payable until the last born attains the age of 24 while undergoing continuous education in school or college.

Service Gratuity is payable to officers who retire from service before completion of ten years qualifying service. Subordinate officers who are members of the police force, prisons, Administration Police and Forest Guards who retire from service on completion of 12 to 20 years of service are paid service gratuity.