TSC Release Programme for Teachers Aged Fifties
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced a retirement program aimed at teachers aged fifty years and older. In a memo directed to county and sub-county directors, the commission has mandated the identification of suitable venues for the retirement awareness program.
Over the course of this week and the next, teachers will gather at locations designated within their respective sub-counties for the sensitization program.
This initiative coincides with efforts by members of parliament to draft legislation that would compel the retirement of teachers and civil servants aged fifty-five and above. It is anticipated that approximately 85,000 teachers and civil servants will retire in the next three financial years, placing significant pressure on taxpayers as pension expenses are projected to reach nearly Sh210 billion annually during this period.
Currently, Section 80(1)(a) and (b) of the Public Service Commission Act 2017 stipulates that a Public Officer must retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, which is presently set at 60 years and 65 years for individuals with disabilities.
However, parliamentary committees are considering lowering the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 55, in order to create more opportunities for young individuals in the public service.
On August 3, the National Assembly’s Labor committee discussed the Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and expressed intentions to amend the legislation to establish a retirement age of 55. Several MPs advocated for this reduction in age, emphasizing the need to prioritize the youth’s employment prospects.
Also Read: TSC Boss To Appear Before Senate For Probing As The Details Emerge From KNUT.
If these proposals are approved, a significant portion of civil servants expected to retire in the next five years will exit the workforce earlier, potentially posing financial challenges for the government due to increased pension obligations. In 2009, the mandatory retirement age was raised from 55 to 60 years as the government grappled with a rising pensions bill.
Notably, a 2016 audit revealed that 35 percent of national government employees were between 51 and 60 years old. The Public Service Commission (PSC) annual report for the Financial Year 2021/2022 indicated that a total of 3,958 officers left their positions across 47 ministries, departments, and agencies.
The proposed Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 also outlines conditions for acting appointments to public office, requiring that appointees meet all qualifications and competencies for the role. Appointments made without the necessary qualifications will be subject to immediate revocation by the Public Service Commission.
TSC Release Programme for Teachers Aged Fifties
