Former civil servants have petitioned the National Assembly to intervene in what they describe as a discriminatory pension system that has left thousands of retirees struggling with inadequate benefits amid rising living costs.

The petition, presented to the House by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on 4th June 2026, was submitted by Mr. John Serem, Eng. Richard Bett and Mrs. Olive Chepkoech on behalf of the Kenya National Association of Public Service Pensioners, Kericho Branch.

The petitioners are seeking the amalgamation of the Civil Service Non-Contributory Pension Scheme and the Public Service Superannuation Fund into a single unified framework, arguing that the current arrangement unfairly disadvantages retired public servants.

According to the petition, the enactment of the Public Service Superannuation Scheme Act, 2012 paved the way for the transition from the traditional non-contributory defined-benefit pension scheme to a contributory pension system that took effect on January 1, 2021.

However, the retirees contend that the transition created a two-tier pension structure in which new entrants to the public service enjoy benefits under a modern contributory framework while pensioners under the old scheme remain subjected to what they term an outdated system characterized by inadequate and irregular payments.

"The transition has created a discriminatory dual pension architecture," the petitioners state, arguing that the disparity amounts to unconstitutional discrimination against persons entitled to similar retirement benefits.

The pensioners further cite Section 5 of the Pensions Act, which defines a pension as an absolute right earned through service, and fault the requirement compelling retiring officers to commute a quarter of their pension benefits. They argue that the practice significantly reduces retirees' monthly income and worsens their financial vulnerability.

The petition also raises concerns over the government's failure to periodically review pension benefits as recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The retirees note that in 2014, SRC proposed actuarial reviews every three years to shield pensioners from the effects of inflation, but claim the National Treasury has not undertaken the reviews.

The association further accuses the government of inconsistently implementing Section 17 of the Pensions Act, saying dependents continue to face cumbersome administrative procedures when seeking pension benefits following the death of a pensioner.

In their petition, the retirees want Parliament to direct the amalgamation of all non-contributory civil service pension schemes into a single sustainable framework, compel the National Treasury and SRC to undertake an immediate actuarial study and gazette pension increments, and facilitate amendments to the Pensions Act and the Pensions Increase Act.

Speaker Wetang'ula committed the petition to the Public Petitions Committee for consideration, directing the committee to investigate the issues raised and report its findings and recommendations to the House and the petitioners in accordance with the Standing Orders.