The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) is celebrating a monumental milestone—25 years of regulating and transforming Kenya’s pensions landscape. Established in October 2000, the Authority has grown from its foundational roots into a pillar of economic stability, safeguarding the retirement savings of millions of Kenyans.
A Quarter-Century of Growth and Trust
Since the enactment of the Retirement Benefits Act, 1997, the Authority has dedicated itself to building a vibrant, resilient, and trusted retirement benefits system. Its mission has been simple yet profound: to ensure workers enjoy a secure and comfortable future.
This regulatory oversight has fueled extraordinary growth:
- Asset Growth: Pension assets have surged from KSh 40 billion in 2000 to over KSh 2.5 trillion by mid-2025.
- Expanded Coverage: Pension coverage has more than doubled, expanding from just 10% to 26.5% of the labour force, bringing over 7.5 million Kenyans under the protection of a retirement scheme.
“Every effort we make ensures that everyone enjoys a secure and comfortable future,” says Mr. Charles Machira, Chief Executive Officer, RBA.
The RBA’s journey reflects a commitment to sound regulation, transparency, and a growing national appreciation for disciplined retirement planning.
Charting the Future: The 2nd Annual Sector Convention
To commemorate this Silver Jubilee and define the sector’s next phase, the RBA will host the 2nd Annual Retirement Benefits Sector Convention in November 2025.
The convention’s theme is “Securing Dignity in Retirement: Lessons from the Past, Strategies for Tomorrow.” It will bring together policymakers, employers, trustees, and service providers to reflect on past successes and chart a forward-looking agenda.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 convention—which launched the National Retirement Benefits Policy and the RBA Strategic Plan (2024–2029)—the 2025 event will feature two critical sessions:
1. Redefining Retirement Benefits Adequacy
This session will tackle the tough questions of ensuring meaningful and secure retirement incomes in the face of modern challenges like inflation, market volatility, and demographic change. Experts will examine how to strengthen benefit preservation and redefine what “adequate” truly means for a retiree today.
2. Sustainability of Retirement Benefits Schemes
Discussions here will focus on ensuring the long-term health of retirement schemes. Key topics include addressing funding challenges in public schemes, exploring diversification into alternative investments, and highlighting emerging trends in sustainable and ESG-focused (Environmental, Social, and Governance) pension investing.
A Vision for the Next 25 Years
The RBA’s commitment doesn’t end with the Silver Jubilee. Looking ahead, the Authority is focused on expanding its reach through digital innovation and deepening financial literacy. The goal is to bring the security of retirement savings to all Kenyans, including those in the informal sector, the self-employed, and the diaspora.
“The next 25 years will build on our legacy of trust, transparency, and transformation — ensuring that every Kenyan can retire with dignity,” Mr. Machira states.
By working closely with stakeholders to strengthen governance, protect members, and encourage sustainable investment practices, the RBA is laying the groundwork for the future financial security of the nation.
Join the Celebration
Various stakeholders from across the pensions and financial services ecosystem shall be invited to participate in the 25th Anniversary celebrations and the 2nd Retirement Benefits Sector Convention scheduled for November 20th 2025 at a venue in Nairobi.
The proceedings will be live streamed across RBA’s official digital platforms for those who may not get the opportunity to attend in person. We shall share the live-stream details on our social media pages wich can be accessed via this page on our website.
For further inquiries you can contact us via email: [email protected]
