Africa-Press – Kenya. The Cabinet has endorsed the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025, establishing a special pension system for judges of the superior courts.
The bill moves judges from the general Pensions Act into a tailored scheme, recognising the unique demands of judicial service. It introduces a defined benefit system for current judges
and a defined contribution plan for future appointments. The law also provides medical coverage and diplomatic privileges. “This is aimed at strengthening judicial independence and
attracting the most qualified legal professionals,” the Cabinet dispatch from a meeting chaired by President William Ruto read. The new law provides for enhanced retirement benefits,
including monthly pensions, gratuities, medical coverage, and diplomatic privileges for retired judges and their spouses. This will allow them to retire with dignity after decades of
service under strict ethical standards. Judges are entitled to a retirement pension, which is calculated as a percentage of their final salary. Judges may also receive a gratuity, which is a lump sum
payment calculated based on their annual salary and years of service. In some cases, a portion of the gratuity may be paid as a lump sum, and the remainder may be used to provide a pension for life, with any
remaining amount going to their dependents. If a judge dies, their surviving spouse (including a same-sex partner) may be eligible for a reversionary pension, which is a
pension paid to the surviving spouse after the judge’s death. Judges in Kenya typically serve until they reach the age of 70 but may elect to retire at any time after 65.
The Chief Justice has a maximum term of 10 years but may continue in office as a judge of the Supreme Court if their term expires before they reach the mandatory retirement age. In some cases, a specific bill or law may be proposed to address the unique retirement needs of judges.
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