MPs split over new proposal to cap retirement age at 60

NAIROBI – Members of Parliament have backed a proposal making it mandatory for public servants to retire at 60 years.

The Bill sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mwangi seeks to slam the brakes on cases where civil servants have their tenures extended through contracts, arguing that it denies young people opportunities.

“The youth are always told that they are the leaders of tomorrow, but unfortunately for them, tomorrow never comes. That is why politicians usually take advantage of them,” said Kathiani MP Robert Mbui.

Nominated MP David ole Sankok said it was time for the youth to get jobs as most of them have for long been used as puppets of influential people for political gains.

“Since most of our youth are idle, they have often been

used to uproot railways and demonstrate for the sake of some politicians. We actually need to tie up the retirement age of all civil servants with the age limit of any politician and anyone in any appointive position,” he said.

Sankok said people whose time in service has elapsed should retire to create opportunities for the youth.

Suna West MP Francis Masara said most Kenyan youth are jobless yet some offices are filled with people aged above 60.

But North Horr’s Chachu Ganya said the Bill was discriminative and punitive.

“The Bill has no regard for special skills or expertise. We have to be realistic and live with reality. Some jobs are for old people and that is that. Not all jobs are for the youth,” said Ganya. Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu questioned the age proposed for retirement, arguing that major factors need to be considered before the age factor is determined.

“I think it’s time we started asking the hard questions, whether 60 is the age which people should retire. Factors like skills development and lifespan of an individual need to be considered,” he said. – THE STANDARD, Kenya.