The Kenyan Senate's Labour and Social Welfare Committee has summoned Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to explain the delay in paying pension benefits to former Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) employees. The summons was issued during the committee's September 17, 2026 sitting, after Mbadi, Health Cabinet Secretary, and KEMRI Chief Executive Officer failed to appear before lawmakers to answer questions on the long-running pension dispute.
The committee was informed that at least 53 pension beneficiaries have reportedly died while waiting for their dues. Some affected pensioners have waited for years to receive their benefits, raising concern among lawmakers. The pensioners were represented by lawyers Kevin Turunga, Lead Counsel Joe Mwariri, Victor Okebiro, and Counsel Cindy. Senators questioned why elderly pensioners, including those facing health and financial challenges, should continue attending hearings while government officials summoned to explain the delay fail to appear.
According to the Director of Pensions, Mbadi had communicated his inability to attend the sitting, citing other official engagements outside Nairobi. The Director stated that his office had already prepared a report on the dispute following an earlier request by the committee and had previously appeared before lawmakers. However, the committee noted that the September 17 sitting specifically required the presence of the Treasury and Health Cabinet Secretaries and the KEMRI CEO.
The committee also examined KEMRI's transition from the Defined Benefit pension scheme to the Defined Contribution system. Lawmakers were informed that the old scheme was closed on June 30, 2008, before the new arrangement was introduced. The committee wants Treasury to explain the outstanding legacy benefits under the former scheme and how the transition affected pensioners who were already members.
The delayed pension payments have caused significant hardship for the affected individuals, many of whom are elderly and facing health and financial challenges. The committee's concerns were heightened by the fact that some pensioners have waited for years to receive their benefits. The senators emphasized the need for the government to take responsibility and provide a clear explanation for the delay.
The committee has directed its Clerk to require CS Mbadi to appear at the next sitting. Lawmakers also discussed possible sanctions to compel the summoned officials to attend future proceedings, noting that the pension matter had now been considered three times without their presence. The Senate's action aims to ensure that the affected pensioners receive their benefits in a timely manner.
The KEMRI pension dispute has highlighted the need for the government to address the challenges faced by pensioners and ensure that their benefits are paid in a timely manner. The Senate's intervention is expected to bring clarity to the matter and provide relief to the affected individuals. The outcome of the committee's investigation and the government's response will be closely watched by the public.
Key points
- The Kenyan Senate has summoned Treasury CS John Mbadi to explain the delay in paying pension benefits to former KEMRI employees.
- At least 53 pension beneficiaries have reportedly died while waiting for their dues.
- The committee is seeking explanations on the transition from the Defined Benefit pension scheme to the Defined Contribution system and the outstanding legacy benefits.
