Judges to receive dedicated pension scheme to boost independence
The newly endorsed Bill focuses on creating a specialized pension framework for judges of the superior courts.
Kenya’s judicial officers are on track to receive more secure and generous retirement benefits following the Cabinet’s approval of the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025.
The newly endorsed Bill focuses on creating a specialized pension framework for judges of the superior courts, addressing their unique needs separate from the broader public pension system.
The law marks a major shift in the country’s approach to judicial service by introducing tailored benefits designed to safeguard judges’ independence both during and after their tenure.
As highlighted in the cabinet dispatch on Tuesday, the Bill introduces two distinct retirement benefit systems.
Serving judges will be placed under a Defined Benefit scheme, ensuring that they receive fixed monthly pensions after retirement.
New judges will follow a defined-contribution model, where their retirement payouts will depend on the contributions they make throughout their careers.
This dual system is designed to provide long-term financial stability for the judiciary and to encourage qualified professionals to consider judicial careers.
The law offers a comprehensive set of benefits for judges, including monthly pensions, gratuities, medical coverage, and diplomatic privileges for both the judges and their spouses.
These measures aim to ensure that judges can retire with dignity, reflecting their important role in upholding the nation’s legal framework under the highest ethical standards.
The Cabinet’s decision to approve the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill reinforces the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster judicial independence.