Whether or not they currently use them, Kenyan pensioners will need to utilize smart devices to ensure uninterrupted pension payments. The government plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of pensioners to identify and eliminate ghost retirees.
Retired public servants (teachers, civil servants, and members of the disciplined services) must update their e-pension portal registration by February 28, 2024, or their pension payments will be suspended.
According to National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, the February deadline cannot be extended. “This deadline is not negotiable and it will serve as a vital statement in our effort to modernize and streamline pension administration,” Kiptoo said.
Pensioners nationwide are reminded that failure to register by the deadline may result in the suspension of their pension payments.
“Kindly note that any pensioner who does not complete their registration by the specified date will face suspension from the payroll,” the PS added.
The new pension management information system has been seamlessly integrated with several key government platforms, including the Government Human Resources Information System (GHRIS), the Civil Registration Bureau, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Registration of Persons Bureau.
This measure is undertaken within the framework of the government’s budgetary support program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aimed at streamlining government expenditure and enhancing operational efficiency.
Read: IMF Forces Kenya to Implement iTax Linked Payroll and IFMIS Linked e-Procurement Platform
Eligibility and Pension Self-Registration Process
To register, one must meet the following eligibility requirements: You must have served as a State Officer, Member of Parliament, Civil Servant, TSC-employed Teacher, or in the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Prison Service, or NYS. Eligibility also extends to dependents of principal pensioners who served in these capacities. Finally, you must have been receiving monthly pension payments by October 2024.
Pensioners must ensure they have the following documents in PDF format: a scanned copy of both the front and back of the National ID card; a scanned copy of the front of their Bank/SACCO card showing a legible account number and name (where the monthly pension is remitted); and, if applicable, scanned copies of a child’s birth certificate, the principal pensioner’s death certificate, and any relevant tax exemption certificates. Pensioners will also need a valid email address and phone number.
Follow these steps to complete your registration online:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Go to the Pension Self-Registration portal.
- Choose User Type: (Principal Pensioner, Dependent Spouse, Dependent Child, Maintenance Case, Dependent Guardian).
- Input Either (National ID No., Personal Number (used while in service), Pensioner’s Pension Number)
- Click on the Proceed Button.
- The details of the Principal Pensioner (Name, National ID No, Employee No, and Pension Number will be displayed). (If details are correct please proceed, if details cannot be displayed try another field, choose support request).
- Click on the Confirm Button.
- Provide Your Valid Email Address
- Click on the Proceed Button.
- Provide Your Valid Telephone Number.
- Click on the Proceed Button.
- You are required to enter your login credentials for your account (You will be redirected to the login page).
Step 2: Log In
- Use your email or phone number as the username.
- Enter the password to your account.
- Click on the Login Button.
Step 3: Complete the Registration
- The registration process has been divided into various sections (after every section, click Next button)
- Fields marked with an (*) are mandatory
- Upload required documents in their correct format (PDF) and max size (2MB)
- Additional Information: Tick any other pension you are receiving (e.g. If you are earning a pension as a principal pensioner and also having a dependent pension).
Step 4: Review, Confirm and Submit
- Scan and upload the required documents (ID, proof of employment, proof of address, etc.).
- Ensure the files are in Portable Document Format (PDF) and within the size limit (maximum size is 2 MB).
Step 5: Review and Submit
- Review all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy.
- Check the box to confirm the accuracy of the information provided.
- Click on the Submit Button to complete your application.
Once submitted, a summary of your data is sent to your email as proof of registration and completeness. The alternative to self-registration is to visit a Huduma Centre where a pensioner can be assisted by the agents.