President William Ruto has signed the Judges Retirement Benefits Act, 2025, into law, introducing a new system that will improve the welfare and financial security of judges after they leave office.
The new law creates a structured retirement benefits scheme that will allow judges to contribute part of their salary towards their future pensions, while also receiving support from the government.
Under the Act, judges will contribute 7.5 percent of their basic salary to the retirement scheme.
On the other hand, the government will contribute 15 percent, more than double the judges’ contribution, to help build a stronger retirement fund.
The scheme is designed to provide judges with monthly pension payments after retirement, ensuring they maintain financial stability after years of service in the judiciary.
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In addition to pension payments, the law also provides medical cover for retired judges, recognizing the importance of healthcare as they grow older.
The benefits package also includes security arrangements, reflecting the sensitive and often high-pressure nature of judicial work, where judges may handle complex or controversial cases during their careers.
The Act goes further by granting retired judges diplomatic passports and access to government airport lounges. These privileges are meant to acknowledge the demanding responsibilities judges carry while serving in the judiciary and the important role they play in upholding the rule of law.
Supporters of the new law say the improved benefits will help protect the independence and dignity of the judiciary by ensuring judges are financially secure both during and after their service.
Adequate retirement packages have been argued as a key way to reduce financial pressure on judicial officers and safeguard the integrity of the justice system.
