The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced a retirement programme targeting teachers aged fifty years and above. This initiative comes amid broader discussions in the legislative arena regarding the retirement age for both teachers and civil servants. This article provides an overview of the retirement programme, legislative considerations, and the potential impact on the teaching profession.
Retirement Programme Details
The TSC has initiated a retirement programme for teachers aged fifty and above, with a focus on sensitizing them about retirement-related matters. The commission has directed county and sub-county directors to identify venues for conducting sensitization programmes. Teachers will gather at these venues during the current and next week to gain insights into the retirement process.
Legislative Considerations and Proposed Changes
Simultaneously, members of parliament are deliberating a bill that aims to retire teachers and civil servants aged fifty-five and above. The proposed bill seeks to reduce the mandatory retirement age from the current 60 years to 55, creating opportunities for younger individuals to enter public service.
Section 80(1)(a) and (b) of the Public Service Commission Act 2017 currently stipulates that a public officer shall retire from service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age. The ongoing discussions in the parliamentary committee indicate a potential reduction in the retirement age to 55, emphasizing the need to provide employment opportunities for the youth.
Kangundo MP Fabian Muli and Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga have expressed support for reducing the retirement age further to accommodate the growth of young professionals. The National Assembly’s Labour committee, while considering the Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is contemplating introducing an amendment to cap the retirement age at 55.
Potential Implications
If the proposed changes are enacted, a substantial number of civil servants, including teachers, may retire earlier than the current mandatory age of 60. This shift could have implications for the government’s finances, leading to a heavier pension bill. The National Treasury already faces challenges, as evidenced by the Sh69.22 billion pension and gratuity payout in the six months to December 2021.
The move to raise the mandatory retirement age from 55 to 60 in 2009 aimed to address the growing pension bill. However, the current discussions suggest a reevaluation of this decision to create room for the younger workforce.
The Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 also introduces provisions for acting appointments in public offices, emphasizing the need for qualified and competent individuals in such roles.