As the February 28 deadline for pensioner registration fast approaches, Kenya’s National Treasury is urging retirees to enroll in the e-Pensions Management Information System (e-PMIS) to improve service efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader modernization effort to streamline pension administration and eliminate delays in disbursement.
A Digital Leap for Pension Services
The Pensioner Self-Registration Portal, now accessible on the e-Citizen platform, is designed to provide seamless access to pension services. Director of Pensions, Alfred Kagika, highlighted that the initiative aligns with global best practices where digital solutions enhance service delivery. By embracing self-registration and biometric verification, Kenya joins other nations in leveraging technology to improve pension systems.
“Many countries are adopting self-registration, biometric verification, and integrated pension management systems to enhance efficiency. Kenya is proud to be at the forefront of this digital transformation,” Kagika stated.
Addressing Longstanding Challenges
The digitization effort comes in response to persistent complaints about delays in pension disbursements. Traditionally, pensioners had to make physical visits to offices, leading to long queues and bureaucratic bottlenecks. With e-PMIS, pensioners can now update records remotely, ensuring greater accuracy, security, and timely processing of benefits.
The government also aims to address the issue of ghost pensioners, a problem that has plagued many pension systems worldwide. By integrating biometric verification and proof of life measures, the new system will ensure that pension payments reach only legitimate recipients.
“Data integrity is a recognized risk in pension and insurance sectors worldwide. The National Treasury and the Pensions Department are implementing measures to mitigate these risks and modernize pension administration,” Kagika explained.
A Step Towards Transparency and Sustainability
As of January 31, Kenya had 353,586 registered pensioners, including 268,236 principal pensioners and 85,350 dependents. The government’s proactive approach aims to cleanse, update, and secure pension payrolls while facilitating direct engagement with pensioners.
Additionally, concerns about delays in pension disbursements have been addressed. Kagika clarified that pension claims should ideally be processed within 90 days, with delays often stemming from late submissions or incomplete documentation by employers. To mitigate this, his department is actively engaging employers to ensure timely submission of claims.
The shift to a digital pension system signifies a new era in pension administration—one that is faster, more transparent, and pensioner-friendly. With the registration deadline approaching, pensioners are urged to enroll promptly to benefit from a modern, efficient pension management system.
