Felix Koskei, Head of the Public Service, has reminded appointing authorities to adhere to the mandatory retirement age for public officers. Koskei emphasized that the retirement age is 60 years for most public officers and 65 years for those with disabilities.
In a circular dated August 5, Koskei urged compliance with the directive. “Attention is drawn to Section 80 (1)(a) and (b) of the Public Service Commission Act, 2017, which provides that a public officer shall retire from the service with effect from the date of attaining the mandatory retirement age,” he stated. “Further, the section stipulates that the Commission or other appointing authority shall not extend the service of such retired public officer beyond the mandatory retirement age.”
The circular was addressed to all Principal Secretaries, Accounting Officers in all ministries, the Solicitor General, CEOs of constitutional commissions, clerks of the Senate and National Assembly, the Chief Registrar – Judiciary, CEOs of State corporations, county secretaries, county governments, clerks of County Assemblies, and CEOs of County Public Service Boards.
Koskei noted that the mandatory retirement age for Academic Staff in Public Universities, Research Scientists, and Judicial Officers will be determined by relevant legislation and guidelines. He highlighted that some appointing authorities have been extending the service of public officers beyond the mandatory retirement age in violation of the law.
As of August, more than 43,000 individuals are expected to retire within the next five years. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that these upcoming vacancies will be prioritized for the youth. “In total, the number of people who will be retiring in the next five years will be over 43,976,” he said.
Mwaura also noted that including both permanent and pensionable positions, as well as contract roles, the number of job vacancies will be approximately 46,000. President William Ruto had directed on July 5 that public servants aged 60 years and above proceed with their retirement.
As part of austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenses, President William Ruto has announced that there will be no extensions of tenure for civil servants. “They are directed to do this with no extensions to their tenure of service,” Ruto said.
According to Public Service Commission data, there are over 4,500 civil servants aged 60 and above as of December 2023. Additionally, 25,879 civil servants from the 520 reporting agencies are aged between 56 and 60 years, and will reach retirement age within the next three years.
The PSC Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, 2016, stipulates that the mandatory retirement age for civil servants is 60 years. However, persons with disabilities are permitted an additional five years, with a retirement age set at 65 years.
