Times Tower and CBK Pension Towers Hrambee Avenue Nairobi.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]
A new initiative is spearheading a push for a transformative universal social security policy in Kenya, advocating for a system that provides retirement benefits to all citizens, including the vast informal sector.
The Pension Club International (PCI), championed by Dr Hosea Kili, managing director of CPF Financial Services Group, proposes funding the scheme, at least in part, through taxes.
Dr Kili argues the current pension model is flawed due to its heavy reliance on the formally employed.
“That is why I find it failing. We are yet to introduce what we can universal social security where the state works with the citizens to enable everyone to enjoy a pension on retirement,” he stated during the PCI launch in Nairobi.
He envisions a system where a portion of income taxes is channelled into pension schemes, linking civic duty with personal retirement security.
The existing National Social Security Fund (NSSF) offers an individual contribution option, but its "check-off" deduction mechanism naturally favours formal workers, making them easier to manage for both state and private pension funds. Kili, through PCI, aims to broaden this reach significantly.
Geoffrey Odundo, PCI board chair, highlighted the pressing need for change, noting that even retired employees in the formal sector often receive inadequate pensions to maintain a decent lifestyle.
"We don’t have a unified formal structure on how to deal with people when they leave employment.
They are sort of considered spent forces," Odundo said. He stressed that improving life expectancy in Kenya necessitates robust retirement savings.
PCI, which aims to onboard members ranging from students to retirees, plans to build a strong base to lobby the government for the proposed scheme. Beyond advocacy, the organisation will offer discounted deals to members through affiliated outlets, aiming to boost savings.
A unique aspect of PCI’s vision includes partnering with developers to create "golden homes and villages" tailored for retirees, fostering social connections and dignified living.
The government, through the Retirement Benefits Authority and the National Treasury, has already signalled a move towards broader pension coverage with the launch of the National Retirement Benefits Policy in August 2024.
This policy aims to extend pension benefits to a wider segment of the population, including the informal sector, aligning with the spirit of PCI's mission.
"Pension is an income," Odundo asserted. "People who retire also deserve to be recognised as income earners, and this is why PCI wants to do this.”
Through education and advocacy, PCI seeks to cultivate a savings culture from a young age, empowering Kenyans across all life stages.