County Officers Urged to Prepare Early for Retirement

Public officers in Uasin Gishu County have been encouraged to embrace early retirement planning to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition from active service.

Speaking during the 2026 pre-retirement training organized by the County Pension Fund, Uasin Gishu County Secretary Philip Meli said retirement should be viewed positively as a new phase of life rather than an end to productivity.

Meli urged officers to prepare financially, socially and health-wise long before exiting public service.

“You are just changing roles. Let us continue to engage, exchange ideas and learn the importance of savings because there is life after retirement,” he said.

He further encouraged employees to maintain healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition, regular exercise and participation in productive activities that would keep them active after retirement.

Chief Officer for Public Service Management Ruth Samoei commended retiring officers for their dedication and long years of service in government.

“Working for over 30 years in government is a great achievement. You will forever remain icons because of the years you have given in service,” she said.

Samoei emphasized the importance of mental wellness, social connections and healthy living during retirement, noting that social wellbeing plays a major role in determining the quality of life after employment.

She encouraged participants to build strong social networks and continue recognizing their value in society even after leaving formal employment.

The training focused on psychological preparedness for retirement, including understanding the phases of retirement and how to manage them effectively. Participants were also taken through financial planning, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities, estate planning and management, health and nutrition, medical wellbeing and the process of accessing pension benefits.

The forum also highlighted the advantages of pension schemes over provident funds and encouraged officers to adequately prepare for their future.

Director of Performance and Training Development Josphat Rotich and his team attended the event.