A renewed push in the Senate to compel all government employees above the age of 60 to retire has sparked fresh debate over the future of Kenya’s public workforce and the fate of thousands who fall within that age bracket.
The calls are being led by UDA’s Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who argues that the public sector has become clogged with an ageing workforce, leaving little room for young Kenyans seeking employment. His remarks came during the presentation of a report by the Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, which examined diversity and inclusivity within state agencies.
Cherargei insisted that the government must explain why many employees including those under the Public Service Commission have exceeded the mandatory retirement threshold.
“How can our youth get jobs if people are 60 years old and don’t want to go home?” he posed, questioning why older staff continue to occupy positions that could be opened up to younger entrants.
Kenya’s civil service regulations require public officers to retire at 60, with persons living with disabilities allowed to serve until 65. The senator now wants strict enforcement of these rules, a move that could see thousands of long-serving workers exit government service should the Executive act on the Senate’s recommendations.
