By John Mutiso
The National Assembly Social Protection Committee, chaired by Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), held a series of sessions to consider proposed changes to the country’s pension laws and the Public Service Superannuation Scheme.
The Committee seeks to ensure retirement policies are fair, constitutionally grounded and responsive to the needs of public servants.
At the heart of the sitting was the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Omboko Milemba.
The Bill seeks to amend the Pensions Act and the Public Service Commission Act so that officers who are dismissed do not automatically lose their pension or gratuity because of the dismissal.
Legislators noted that this safeguard is central to protecting the social security rights of public officers to ensure processes do not unfairly override long-earned benefits.
Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the amendments align with the Constitution.
They observed that the proposed changes successfully harmonise the Pensions Act with constitutional principles on social security and fair labour practices and raised no constitutional or legal concerns.
Their submission signalled full support for the Bill, acknowledging its importance in strengthening the legal framework governing retirement benefits.
The Committee also received submissions from the Public Service Superannuation Scheme on amendments touching on the Scheme’s structure, terminology and operations.
Members underscored that any changes to the Scheme must enhance transparency, strengthen governance and support the sustainable management of members’ retirement benefits.
They also stressed the importance of correcting formatting inconsistencies, numbering errors and terminology disparities to avoid confusion during parliamentary debate and public interpretation.
The Members reiterated that effective oversight requires clarity from implementing agencies, particularly when dealing with technical amendments that shape national policy.
Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a directed that a revised and cleaned-up amendment document, including clear justifications for each proposed change, be resubmitted to allow members adequate time for review before the matter proceeds further in Parliament.
