The proposal by the Public Service Commission to lower the retirement age of lecturers to 70 is both misguided and short-sighted.
Academia is not a profession where expertise peaks early; rather, it is built on decades of research, mentorship and intellectual refinement.
Attaining professorship often takes a lifetime of dedication, meaning many scholars reach their prime just as they approach the proposed retirement threshold.
Kenya’s rising life expectancy further weakens the argument for early retirement.
Today’s 75-year-old academics are not only healthier but remain mentally sharp and deeply productive.
Forcing them out prematurely deprives universities of invaluable institutional memory and mentorship that younger faculty depend on.
The contrast with politics is striking. Politicians often serve well into advanced age, despite their roles not requiring the same level of specialised knowledge transfer.
If longevity is acceptable in leadership, why deny it in education?
Universities should retain the current retirement age of 75 for lecturers.
Preserving experienced scholars ensures continuity, strengthens academic standards and ultimately benefits the nation’s intellectual and professional future.
