Retirement is not the end of life; it is the beginning of a new chapter, a season that every worker in Kenya looks forward to with both hope and anxiety. It is the point where the sweat of many years should finally give way to rest, dignity, and fulfilment. Yet, retirement is not a sudden event that knocks at the door; it is a long journey that begins the very first day one earns a salary. Whether it becomes a crown of joy or a burden of regret depends on the choices made along the way.
Those in their thirties who dream of retiring at sixty must begin their preparation early. Retirement is not secured by dreams, but by deliberate action. Saving a little from every paycheck, however small, creates the foundation of future stability. Avoiding debts that swallow tomorrow’s income is another form of wisdom. Investment in projects that grow steadily, whether in SACCOs, land, or small businesses, is not just about money—it is about planting seeds of security. Time itself becomes the greatest ally, for every shilling saved at thirty multiplies by the time sixty arrives, just like the mango tree planted today will offer shade and fruit in old age. Those who begin early carry less fear into retirement; they walk with confidence knowing their discipline cushions their future.
Yet life does not always unfold as neatly as plans on paper. Some reach their fifties and suddenly wake up to the reality that mistakes, hardships, or neglect have left them unprepared. At that point, panic can easily set in, but it is never too late. Even at fifty, with courage and determination, one can correct course. Paying off debts systematically, embracing a simple lifestyle, and channelling every possible coin into savings can make a difference. At that age, side hustles become a lifeline. Farming, consultancy, tutoring, or small trading activities are not mere hobbies—they are survival ropes that restore dignity. The road may be steeper for those who begin late, but with discipline, even in their fifties, they can secure a softer landing at retirement.
One reality that must never be forgotten is that proper commitment to duty brings blessings. A worker who serves faithfully and diligently earns more than just a salary. Such a worker builds a name, goodwill, and trust that outlast their employment. Their retirement is made easier not only by what they saved, but also by the respect of colleagues, the support of the community, and the peace of a clean conscience. Indeed, the blessings of honest labour follow the faithful worker long after their last payslip is printed.
However, retirement also comes with silent temptations, and many stumble here. Some, upon receiving their dues, rush to remarry, often for the wrong reasons, only to find themselves in unnecessary conflicts or financial strain. Others plunge into drinking, smoking, and endless merry-making, deceived by the illusion of freedom. Yet such indulgence quickly turns joy into bitterness. The stories of men who squandered their pensions in bars surrounded by false friends are many. For a while, they became the centre of attraction, but when the money dried up, the so-called friends vanished, leaving them lonely, sick, and broken. Others ruined their health with smoking and drinking, leaving their families to suffer the consequences. Retirement was never meant for reckless living; it was meant for quiet dignity.
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But retirement does not have to be a story of regret. There are brighter examples, men and women who used their retirement dues wisely. Some built small rental houses, others expanded farms, while some ventured into small businesses. They lived simply, avoided waste, and found joy in mentoring the youth, teaching in churches or mosques, and participating in community projects. Their lives are testimonies that it is not the size of the retirement package that determines success, but the wisdom with which it is managed. The quiet satisfaction of having a steady income, good health, and respect from society far outweighs the fleeting thrill of reckless indulgence.
Gratitude must also go to President William Ruto, who ordered that retirement benefits be processed faster. For too long, the dignity of many faithful servants was denied, as they were forced to wait for years before receiving what they had worked for. Some even died before their dues reached them. This painful reality robbed retirement of its joy. Today, with shorter processing periods, retirees can step into their golden years with renewed confidence, knowing that their labour will not be wasted. It is a sign that leadership can ease the burden of retirement when combined with personal responsibility.
Still, there are silent realities that statistics cannot capture. What kills many after retirement is not poverty alone, but idleness, loneliness, and loss of purpose. The body grows weak when the mind is idle, and the heart becomes weary when companionship fades. Retirement should never mean sitting at home waiting for the sun to set. One must remain active—farming a piece of land, walking in the morning sun, rearing animals, planting trees, or even reading and writing. Purpose must be renewed by mentoring the youth, volunteering in community projects, or joining church and mosque activities. Retirement is not the end of usefulness; it is simply a change of pace.
Financial discipline also remains essential. Even with a pension, one must live within one’s means. A simple life is not defeat—it is wisdom. Medical expenses are often the greatest challenge in old age, and preparing for them early spares much pain. Those who avoid unnecessary debts and resist reckless spending discover that peace of mind is the true wealth of retirement. Gratitude and faith must also be nurtured. When wealth is little, contentment makes life rich; when wealth is much, gratitude gives it meaning.
Retirement, therefore, is not a curse—it is a crown. For the young, preparation begins now. For those who are late, mistakes can still be corrected. For those already retired, life can still be lived with wisdom, moderation, and purpose. The evening of life is not meant for despair, but for reflection, rest, and renewal.
As an African proverb reminds us, “A wise elder eats from the granary, not from the seed basket.” The Bible, in Proverbs 21:20, teaches, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” And the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286, reminds us, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have the consequence of what good it has gained, and it will bear the consequence of what evil it has earned.” These voices of wisdom, drawn from culture and faith alike, agree on one truth: that retirement must be approached with discipline and care, so that the evening of life may shine not with regret, but with peace, dignity, and abundance.
By Hillary Muhalya
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