- MPs have demanded urgent action from the National Treasury to clear pension backlogs affecting thousands of retired teachers.
- The MPs also highlighted humanitarian crises, allegations of bribery, and the financial hardship retirees have endured while waiting for benefits.
- Lawmakers have called for modernisation of claim processing, accountability between TSC and Treasury, and urgent measures to restore confidence among retirees.
Fresh pressure has mounted on the National Treasury to resolve persistent delays in pension payments to retired teachers, with Members of Parliament warning that the backlog has exposed thousands of former educators to financial hardship despite decades of public service.
Speaking during a heated parliamentary session, legislators demanded an immediate explanation from Treasury officials, insisting that retirees should not be forced to wait months or even years for benefits they lawfully earned. They stressed that pensions are constitutional entitlements, not acts of generosity, and must be disbursed promptly to safeguard the dignity of retired public servants.
The debate clarified the distinct responsibilities of institutions involved in teachers’ retirement. While the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) manages employment records and processes retirement documentation, the National Treasury—through its Pensions Department—is mandated to approve and disburse pension benefits. MPs therefore directed their concerns squarely at the Treasury.
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Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi described the delays as a humanitarian crisis, noting that many retirees have exhausted their savings while waiting for payments. He revealed that some teachers have died before receiving their benefits, leaving families to pursue claims through lengthy bureaucratic procedures. Kibagendi also raised alarm over allegations of bribery in pension processing, urging investigations to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption.
Parliament has now demanded a comprehensive report from the Treasury detailing the number of unpaid claims, the total value of outstanding pensions, reasons for the delays, and a clear schedule for settling all pending benefits. Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni argued that retirement is a predictable event, giving government institutions ample time to plan, and insisted that no retiree should suffer unnecessary delays after decades of service.
Saku MP Ali Raso reminded the House that pensions are constitutional rights, while Njoro MP Charity Chepkwony lamented the indignity of retired teachers struggling to access benefits they rightfully earned. Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda questioned why delays persist despite agencies knowing retirement dates years in advance, while Tigania West MP John Mutunga stressed that timely pensions are essential for retirees who lose regular income immediately upon leaving service.
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The debate has renewed calls for reforms to pension administration, with MPs urging the Treasury to modernise claims processing, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and restore confidence among retirees. Education stakeholders also emphasised the importance of distinguishing between TSC’s role in verifying records and Treasury’s responsibility for payments, warning that confusion undermines accountability.
With thousands of retired teachers still awaiting their benefits, legislators said the government must act urgently to streamline pension processing and deliver justice to those who dedicated their lives to educating Kenya’s children.
By Hillary Muhalya
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