Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya Mo'fire has asked the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to investigate delays in the processing and payment of retirement benefits to retired public servants, citing the suffering of elderly Kenyans who rely on pension payments to meet their daily needs.
In a Statement sought in the Senate on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Gataya said some retirees had waited an unreasonably long time to receive their dues, with some reportedly dying before their benefits were released.
He warned that the delays had exposed former public servants and their families to financial difficulties, emotional distress and uncertainty, particularly those who depend entirely on their retirement packages for medical care and necessities.
The senator wants the committee to establish the reasons behind the prolonged processing of pension claims and explain what the government is doing to clear the existing backlog.
He has also demanded a comprehensive account of pending retirement benefit claims, including the number of affected retirees, the total amount owed and a clear schedule for settling outstanding payments.
The committee is further expected to provide details of budgetary allocations for retirement benefits from the 2023/2024 financial year to date, showing how much money has been released and the outstanding obligations.
Gataya also wants Parliament to establish whether adequate arrangements have been made to protect vulnerable retirees, especially persons living with disabilities and those battling chronic or terminal illnesses.
He said there was a need for administrative and policy reforms to strengthen pension management, eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure that retired public servants receive their entitlements without undue hardship.
The committee is expected to explain the delays, outline corrective measures and indicate when affected retirees can expect to receive their outstanding benefits.
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