State reopens pensioner registration window to May 10

Pensioners wait in line to get paid./FILE

The government through the National Treasury has reeopened the pensioner self-registration portal one final time until May 10, 2025.

Director of Pensions at the National Treasury said this is to ensure that the pensioners who faced challenges during the initial three-month window are not unfairly disadvantaged.

"In line with our core values and in response to genuine requests filed during the exception period, we have reopened the pensioner self-registration portal one final time until May 10, 2025. Pensioners who fail to validate their information by May 10, 2025 will be suspended from the payroll," he said in a public notice.

All pensioners and dependants receiving monthly payments are required to validate their information via the eCitizen portal or at any Huduma Centre.

How to register as a pensioner

Online registration: Navigate to the ecitizen portal, log-in and follow the self-registration process under the Pensions Department, National Treasury.

In-person assistance: Visit any Huduma Centre, Treasury Pensions Department office, or designated registration agent for help.

"Act now-don't wait until the last minute! Register before May 10, 2025 to secure your pension benefits," Treasury said.

The move comes barely a week after the cabinet approved the proposal to exempt all gratuity payments of pensioners from tax.

Gratuity pay is usually paid to employees who have completed several years of continuous service.

It can be awarded during or after an employee's employment contract is terminated.

Currently, gratuity pay is taxed like any other salary payment.

The policy decision to exempt the payments from tax was reached during ministerial deliberations chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, Tuesday, April 29.

A despatch from State House said the policy measure is contained in the Finance Bill, 2025, which the Cabinet approved during the meeting.

"Retirees will benefit significantly as all gratuity payments, whether in public or private pension schemes, will now be fully tax-exempt, ensuring dignity for Kenya’s senior citizens after retirement," a Cabinet dispatch from State House said.

The Cabinet said the policy move is aimed at enhancing dignity for senior citizens.