National treasury issues final notice for pensioner registration

The National Treasury has issued a final reminder to all pensioners and dependents receiving monthly payments from its Pensions Department to complete their self-registration before the deadline.

In a notice dated February 21, 2025, the Treasury emphasized that the registration process, which began on December 5, 2024, has now entered its final month and will officially close on February 28, 2025.

The government urged all pension beneficiaries who have not yet registered to take action immediately to avoid disruptions in their payments.

“The majority of pensioners have already registered. If you haven’t, this is your last chance! Ensure your details are updated to prevent any delays in receiving your pension benefits,” the notice read.

How to Complete Pension Registration

Beneficiaries can register through the following methods:

1. Online Registration – Visit the E-Citizen portal, log in, and follow the self-registration process under the Pensions Department, National Treasury.
2. In-Person Registration – Seek assistance at any Huduma Centre, the Treasury Pensions Department, or designated registration agents.

Where to Seek Help

For inquiries or assistance, pensioners can contact the Treasury through the following channels:

📞 Phone Numbers: 0202240779, 0203316265, 0709259726, 0709259727, 0730837726, 0730837727.
📧 Email: [email protected].
🏢 Physical Locations: Nearest Huduma Centre or Treasury Pensions Office.

The Treasury urged pensioners not to wait until the last minute, emphasizing the importance of registering before February 28, 2025, to secure continued pension benefits.

New Tax Reforms on Pensions

Meanwhile, the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) has introduced changes to pension taxation following the enactment of the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, which came into effect on December 27, 2024.

According to RBA, the reforms aim to enhance retirement savings by increasing tax-free pension contribution limits and making other adjustments to support pensioners financially.

Key Changes in Pension Taxation

1. Higher Tax-Free Pension Contributions – The tax-exempt limit for pension contributions has increased by 50%.
2. Increased Tax-Deductible Contributions – The previous cap of Ksh240,000 annually (Ksh20,000 per month) has been raised to Ksh360,000 annually (Ksh30,000 per month), allowing workers to save more for retirement without tax deductions.
3. Income Tax Exemptions on Pensions – Retirement benefits from registered schemes will be exempt from income tax under the following conditions:
   • The beneficiary retires according to the scheme’s regulations.
   • Funds are withdrawn due to ill health before retirement.
   • The contributor has been a member of the scheme for at least 20 years.
4. Post-Retirement Medical Fund Contributions – A new tax-deductible limit of up to Ksh15,000 per month has been introduced for contributions to post-retirement medical funds, easing healthcare costs for retirees.

The Treasury and RBA emphasized that these reforms are aimed at improving pensioners’ financial security and encouraging long-term savings.