Teachers Transitioning to University Jobs Now Access Pensions at 60.
Teachers who transitioned from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to public universities can now access their pensions upon reaching 60. The TSC outlined this in a letter dated July 5, 2024, to the Director of Pensions at the National Treasury.
The mandatory retirement age for university lecturers is 75. Those leaving a university before this age must resign, as there are no other exit methods in their setup. The TSC emphasized that resignations should be treated as voluntary retirements, allowing these teachers to access their benefits. In addition, under the Pension Act Cap 189, it is fair to assume that teachers who resign after reaching the qualifying age are taking voluntary retirement. This ensures they are not deprived of benefits earned during their service under the Commission.
The TSC letter clarified that resignation qualifies as a valid mode of exiting service with retirement benefits. “Therefore, in the spirit of the provisions of the Pension Act Cap 189, we should presume that teachers who resign after attaining the minimum qualifying age have taken voluntary retirement. Consequently, this ensures these teachers receive their benefits for the period of service under the Commission,” the letter stated.
Follow us on X: Education Point Kenya.
The conditions under which teachers transferred to university service form the basis of this decision. Their teaching service pension remains suspended until they qualify for retirement under their respective pension schemes. The TSC provided this information to support cases where teachers leaving public universities before the mandatory retirement age still need access to their pensions.
The government ensures retirement benefits for public officers as part of their service terms, aiming to provide social security in old age, in line with Article 43(1)(e) of the Constitution. Additionally, the Pension Act (Cap 189) regulates the payment of pensions, gratuities, and other allowances for public service officers.
Read also:
- The Rise of Online Programming Education
- Kuppet Demands Reinstatement of Medical Insurance for Teachers
- Controversy Erupts Over Planned Transfer of Isiolo Boys High School Principal
- Everything You Need to Know About KNEC’s Grade 9 Assessment Pilot Starting Monday
These benefits facilitate a smooth transition from active service with employment income to retirement with a stable income. This prevents a drastic change in the standard of living for public officers in their old age.
In summary, teachers who moved from TSC to public universities can now access their pensions at age 60. This change, guided by the Pension Act, ensures they receive the benefits earned during their service. The government’s role in providing retirement benefits aligns with constitutional mandates to ensure social security for public officers.
Teachers Transitioning to University Jobs Now Access Pensions at 60.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram