The Public Service Commission of Kenya has announced new retirement age regulations for lecturers and researchers working in public universities and research institutions, a move aimed at retaining experienced academic staff and strengthening the country’s higher education and research sector.
According to a circular issued by the commission, the retirement age for academic staff will now vary depending on rank, reflecting the government’s effort to align policies with the evolving needs of universities and research institutions while promoting efficient management of human resources in public service.
Under the new directive, professors and research professors will retire at 70 years, with an extension to 75 years for those living with disabilities. Associate professors and associate research professors are also set to retire at 70, while senior lecturers and senior research fellows will retire at 65.
Lecturers and research fellows, as well as assistant lecturers, tutorial fellows and junior research fellows, will retire at 60 years, though persons living with disabilities in these positions may serve until 65.
Research scientists in government institutions will retire at 65, with an extension to 70 for those registered as persons living with disabilities.
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Non-teaching staff in universities and research institutions, however, will continue to retire at 60 years, or 65 for persons living with disabilities, consistent with existing public service regulations.
The PSC emphasized that the directive, issued under Section 70(1)(c) of the Public Service Commission Regulations, 2020, replaces guidelines issued in March 2009.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize human resource policies for public service employees, particularly those in academia and research, and to ensure that the wealth of knowledge and expertise built over years of service remains available to guide younger staff and ongoing research projects.
The circular was signed by Paul Famba, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the PSC, and copied to Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service in the Executive Office of the President.
The university councils, vice-chancellors and heads of state research institutions have been instructed to note the new requirements and ensure compliance, marking the start of a more flexible approach to academic career longevity.
By Kithinji Njeru
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