![The Geriatric Bill, 2021 creates a framework for the establishment of a post-retirement employment programme in the civil service. [Photo/ Courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/businesstoday.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Kenya-Public-Service-Commission-Pict-courtesy-of-the-Star.co_.ke_-1.jpg?fit=512%2C384&ssl=1)
A bill before Parliament could see retirees in the civil service rehired as it creates a framework for a post-retirement employment programme.
The Geriatric Bill, 2021, is sponsored by Kiambu Women Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba. It focuses on the welfare of elderly Kenyans and aims to improve their living conditions by guaranteeing their rights including dignity and safety.
“The principal object of this Bill is to give effect to Article 57 of the Constitution by establishing a legal framework for the treatment of older members of society,” Wamuchomba stated.
It tasks the Public Service Cabinet Secretary in conjunction with other players with crafting regulations to govern the rehiring of retirees in areas including health, national security and education.
“The Cabinet Secretary (Public Service) shall in consultation with the National Council for Older Members of Society, State agencies and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission make regulation for voluntary or non-voluntary post-retirement employment of older members of society, on scaled hours, in the following critical areas-health, national security, education and any other service areas as may be determined by the Cabinet Secretary,” the bill states.
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If it becomes law, the bill would create opportunities for thousands of retirees across professions including teaching, the police and military.
Under it, individuals who have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years will earn a monthly salary for the duration of the new employment terms.
The National Treasury forecasts that spending on salaries and allowances will rise to Ksh550.7 billion in the year to June 2023. To rein in the skyrocketing wage bill, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) announced in June 2021 the freezing of review of basic salary structures, allowances, and benefits for all public servants from the 2021/22 fiscal year to 2022/23.
This in addition to a hiring freeze which has contributed to an ageing workforce in the public service. More than 60,000 public servants retired in the three years to June 2020.
It remains to be seen how the bill, if successful, will affect pension claims and gratuity. Ksh153.64 Billion was allocated by the Treasury in the current financial year to honour monthly pensions claims and gratuity pay.
So while the number of unemployed youths rises, old folks who already get pensions are supposed to go back to work!? This just shows lack of competency especially from the person bring up such a bill.
The issue of reterees to be re-employed is totally nonsense.the economy is ful of youthful people fresh from colleges and universities with no jobs then the hell starts of hiring an old person.shame on you.
Let them add retirement age to 65years like in other many Countries across the globe, instead of rehiring retirees,.its in order.
How then will the unemployed children of this people fend for themselves when parents leave their 25 year old sons in the house as they go back to jobs they left ten years back? You have jokes for days
That is good move by the government if the bill is passed for many who retires have skills and experience that cannot be compared with the newly employed personnel.
Secondly it will help many retired Kenyans who are still energetic continue serving the nation and in turn accomplishing unfinished personal projects.
Great move by the government to have experienced personnel on board
No way I can’t go back to employment let them employ my children who are all over 26 years 60 retirement age is ok.
Retirees need to invest and create job opportunities and enjoy balance of their life. Rehiring retirees is violating elderly rights to enjoy old age and is economically and socially retrogressive.