NAIROBI, Kenya – The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) has called on the National Assembly Committee on Social Protection to amend key provisions of the County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill, 2024, saying the current draft fails to adequately protect the retirement interests of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
The Bill seeks to establish a defined contribution pension plan for county assembly members and staff, but CAF argues that the proposed scheme offers weaker benefits than the current gratuity system.
Speaking during a meeting chaired by Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei, CAF Chief Executive Officer Seth Kamanza said the Bill, in its present form, risks undermining the financial security of former MCAs once they leave office.
“The Bill does not meet the long-term needs of MCAs. We are calling for amendments that strengthen contributions and protect members’ retirement benefits,” Kamanza told the committee.
CAF has recommended that the contribution rates be raised from the current 7.5 per cent (employee) and 15 per cent (employer) to 12 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively.
The forum also wants MCAs exempted from paying the NSSF Tier II contribution while under the proposed scheme.
Kamanza further urged Parliament to incorporate lessons from a similar 2019 County Governments Retirement Scheme, parts of which were later declared unconstitutional in the Okoiti and 11 others vs County Governments Retirement Scheme & 164 others case.
“To avoid another legal setback, we must ensure this Bill addresses the gaps identified in that ruling,” he said.
CAF also proposed the inclusion of post-retirement medical benefits and a reduction of the retirement age from 55 to 45 years, arguing that many MCAs serve short terms and struggle financially after leaving office.
“MCAs should be treated equitably with other State officers, including access to comprehensive post-service medical cover similar to that of Members of Parliament and retired national officers,” Kamanza added.
Committee chair Hillary Kosgei acknowledged the concerns raised, saying MCAs’ demands for improved retirement benefits are legitimate.
“County assemblies mirror the structure of Parliament, and it is only fair that their members receive comparable retirement benefits,” Kosgei said.
The Committee on Social Protection is expected to review the recommendations before the Bill proceeds to the next stage of debate in the National Assembly.
