Judgmental ex-SRC chair raises concerns over the unsustainable nature of judge's pension system
News Article: Proposed Pension Scheme for Retired Judges Sparks Controversy
A proposed pension scheme for retired judges in the country has sparked controversy, with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) expressing opposition to the Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) proposal to review salaries and pensions for judges.
The Judges' Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025, if passed, would provide other benefits to retired judges beyond medical coverage. According to the bill, retired judges, their spouses, and children would receive medical coverage equal to that of serving judges. However, the authority that rejected the pension laws for judges remains unidentified, and the specific reasons for the rejection are not provided.
The SRC's opposition to the bill was expressed in a letter dated July 25, signed by SRC acting secretary Margaret Njoka. The commission warns that extending such benefits to judges could fuel similar demands from other state officers, potentially straining the public wage bill. The SRC reaffirms their constitutional mandate to set state officers' pay, emphasizing equity and fairness when discussing wage bills, as stated by former SRC chairperson, Lyn Mengich.
Mengich recently spoke on Spice FM about the proposed pension scheme for judges, stating that the scheme is unrealistic and unsustainable. She warns that the proposed pension scheme would place an undue burden on taxpayers, costing taxpayers Sh1.7 billion in the first year alone. If passed, the bill would likely lead to similar demands from other state officers, according to the SRC.
Mengich also states that once the pension scheme is passed, other sectors may also want the same benefits. She cautions that approval of the pension scheme could set a precedent for other state officers to demand similar benefits. However, it is important to note that the proposed pension scheme for judges has not been approved at the time of Mengich's statement.
In response to the JSC's proposal, the SRC's opposition to the bill reaffirms their role in setting pay for state officers. The pension scheme, according to Mengich, provides for an individual to contribute more than the employer, which could potentially strain the public wage bill further.
The controversy surrounding the proposed pension scheme for retired judges highlights the need for careful consideration of the financial implications of such benefits. As the debate continues, it is essential to ensure that any decisions made are equitable, sustainable, and in the best interest of the taxpayers.
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