Lyn Mengich, the chairperson of the Salaries and Remunerations Committee (SRC), has voiced concerns over proposed reductions in the retirement age, citing potential strains on the nation’s pension system and the loss of valuable experienced workers from the labour force.
In an interview with Spice FM on Tuesday, Mengich emphasized the importance of retaining workers until the age of 60, highlighting their continued productivity and contribution to the workforce.
Mengich argued against lowering the retirement age, stating, “The conversation should be what works for Kenya. If you say people retire at 55 it means they are pensionable at 55 yet they are still productive.”
She further elaborated, “For me the conversation is about, do we have to incur a higher pension liability which is already a huge liability, and are these Kenyans still productive and if they are why do you want to retire them early when they can still contribute to the nation.”
These remarks come in response to a legal challenge filed by petitioner Charles Chege in February 2024, seeking to abolish the retirement age requirement for employees in both public and private sectors, including individuals with disabilities.
Chege argues that the current retirement age limits of 60 for regular employees and 65 for individuals with disabilities unfairly restrict certain workers, disregarding their competence and capability to continue working.
The case, being heard before High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi, contends that employees should have the freedom to work beyond the age of 60, provided they are willing and able to do so.
Chege emphasized, “This is pure discrimination based on age and thus it goes against Article 27(4), Article 28 on human dignity, Article 41(1) based on the right to fair labor practices, Article 57(a) to fully participate in the affairs of society.”
He added, “Among other rights, every person has the right to the highest attainable standards of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care. Further, the provision provides for the right to economic empowerment.”