Retirement benefits: Unremitted contributions in billions

Unremitted retirement contributions have surged to Sh57 billion by the end of 2024, according to data from the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).

These funds, which are deducted from employees' salaries, are meant to be forwarded by employers to the RBA—but many have failed to do so.

The figures have grown steadily from Sh6.7 billion in 2015 to the current record, reflecting long-standing non-compliance.

Employers are legally obligated to remit these deductions, and failure to do so undermines retirement security for thousands of workers.

The sharp rise from Sh42 billion in 2023 to Sh57 billion in 2024 signals an urgent need for reform and enforcement to protect employees' financial futures.