President William Ruto at the County Assemblies Forum on February 19 / PCS
President William Ruto has
cautioned MCAs against embracing the popular “one term” political slogan,
warning that such rhetoric could undermine their own push for retirement
benefits.
The President told MCAs that
publicly campaigning on a one-term narrative sends the wrong signal to Kenyans
and could weaken support for their proposed pension scheme.
Ruto
spoke during the annual County Assemblies Forum.
The President underscored the need
to restore dignity in public service during and after tenure, saying many
leaders leave office and struggle financially.
“Sometimes
I see some MCAs saying the one-term slogan. If you embrace the one-term slogan,
you will not get pension. I have observed that Kenyans are very keen; if they
hear you claiming one term, they will start with you who is claiming one term
before we get to the rest,” the President said.
“Public
service must carry dignity, both in tenure and after service. When many leaders
get out of the office, they live badly. Therefore, the issue of pensions is
something that I have every intention to address.”
Ruto
revealed that discussions with parliamentary leadership on pending pension
matters were at an advanced stage, expressing confidence that the outstanding
issues would soon be resolved.
He,
however, insisted that the proposed County Assemblies pension scheme be
contributory.
Under
the plan, MCAs would contribute 7.5 per cent of their salary, with the
government matching the amount.
“The
same way Members of Parliament contribute 7.5 per cent of their salary, you
will contribute 7.5 per cent of your salary. The employer in government will
also contribute 7.5 per cent as well. That way, we will have a pension that
will support you,” Ruto said.
If
implemented, the President said MCAs could qualify as pensioners after serving
two terms, potentially within the next few months once the legal framework is
concluded.
At
the same forum, Ruto described MCAs as indispensable partners in the country’s
development agenda and a critical link between citizens’ aspirations and
national policy.
He
rallied the ward representatives to support the proposed National
Infrastructure Fund, which he said would mobilise sustainable financing for
transformative projects, including roads, airports, dams, irrigation and
electricity connectivity.
The
President also assured MCAs of the government’s backing for the Salaries and
Remuneration Commission recommendation to reclassify their job groups from D4
to E2, saying the move recognises the weight of their responsibilities in
strengthening devolution.
He
reaffirmed support for the County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill and the Ward
Development Fund, both currently before the National Assembly, expressing
optimism that the measures would enhance the welfare and effectiveness of ward
representatives.
Ruto
urged MCAs to align their political messaging with their long-term interests,
emphasising that sustainable retirement benefits depend on responsible public
conduct and a contributory pension culture.