Parliament urged to fast-track Pension Bill for former civic leaders

Former civic leaders in the country may soon benefit from retirement support if Parliament expedites the passage of a proposed pension law aimed at cushioning them after leaving office.

Kisumu County Senatorial aspirant and lawyer Fred Odumo Nyinguro has urged lawmakers to fast-track the County Assembly Pension Bill, saying it will help former local leaders who currently struggle to meet their basic needs and medical expenses after serving the public.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a pension scheme for former councillors and Members of County Assemblies, many of whom do not receive any retirement benefits despite years of service in local governance.

Speaking in Kisumu over the weekend during the burial of former councillor Elijah Akomo Were in Kanyakwar, Odumo said many former civic leaders are living in hardship because there is no structured pension plan to support them after leaving office.

“Many of these leaders dedicated their lives to serving the people, but after leaving office, they are left on their own without any form of pension or medical cover,” he said.

Odumo said over the years, he has been engaging former civic leaders in Kisumu while consulting them over his senatorial candidature ahead of the 2027 Kenyan General Election.

According to him, the consultations have exposed the difficult living conditions many of the retired leaders face.

“Over the years, I have walked with former civic leaders in Kisumu as I consulted them on my candidature. From those interactions, I have learnt that many of them are living in very difficult conditions despite the service they rendered to Kenyans,” he said.

He noted that some of the leaders struggle to pay hospital bills and meet daily expenses, a situation he said should be addressed through legislation.

Odumo described the late Were as a committed leader who served his community diligently but faced challenges during his illness due to the lack of financial support.

“The late Were served his people with dedication, but like many other former civic leaders, he lacked a pension scheme to support him when he fell sick. That is why we must ensure this Bill is passed to protect those who serve the public,” he said.

He added that the proposed pension law would not only assist former councillors but also provide a safety net for Members of County Assemblies once they leave office.

Odumo urged Parliament to treat the matter with urgency, noting that many retired local leaders continue to struggle silently across the country.

He also called on residents of Kisumu to support leaders who prioritise the welfare of public servants even after they leave office