The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has raised concerns over the Public Service Commission's (PSC) new retirement age regulations, cautioning that the changes could exacerbate lecturer shortages and disrupt academic activities at Kenyan public universities.

Retirement Age Changes

In a circular issued in March 2026, with an addendum in April, PSC lowered the retirement age for professors from 74 to 70 years and for senior lecturers and other academic staff from 74 to 65 years or below, depending on their ranks and disability status.

  • Professors and research professors retire at 70 years (75 if living with disability).
  • Associate professors, senior lecturers retire at 65 years (70 if living with disability).
  • Lecturers and junior academic staff retire at 60 years (65 if living with disability).

PSC CEO Paul Famba explained the changes aim to standardize retirement ages across the public service while retaining experienced academics longer to boost efficiency.

UASU's Concerns

UASU's University of Nairobi chapter highlighted that the institution has already seen a nearly 60% reduction in lecturers—from about 2,000 to around 1,200—after a recruitment freeze in 2020 due to financial constraints.

Secretary General George Osanjo warned that implementing the new retirement policy could further reduce the current lecturer workforce by approximately 40%, leaving only 720 lecturers.

The union also noted that the reduced academic staff would increase pressure on the university's pension scheme, which faces an outstanding deficit of Sh11 billion.

Legal Challenge and Court Ruling

Earlier in 2026, UASU sought legal intervention to halt the policy's implementation, arguing it breached collective bargaining agreements and lacked adequate stakeholder consultation.

However, on July 29, the Employment and Labour Relations Court upheld PSC's directive, ruling that the commission has the legal authority to set retirement policies and that employees cannot rely on past practices to override statutory provisions.

Calls for Policy Review

Despite the ruling, UASU officials warn that the policy could disrupt teaching, research supervision, and examinations. They urge PSC to withdraw the directive and engage university stakeholders to develop a framework that reflects the unique demands of higher education.

UASU chairperson Ben Nyachoga emphasized the lengthy and rigorous processes involved in academic career progression, including research output and supervision, which differ from other public service sectors.

PSC Response

PSC refuted claims of inadequate consultation, stating that UASU participated in multiple stakeholder meetings, including a session at Machakos University in December 2025.

The commission maintains that the policy will help retain critical skills, enhance research and innovation, and improve postgraduate supervision across public universities.