The Public Service Commission (PSC) has increased the retirement age for lecturers and research scientists working in public universities and research institutions.
The move aims to create consistency within the public service and retain experienced professionals who can continue contributing to teaching and research. The changes took effect immediately following the latest directive from the commission.
PSC Chief Executive Officer Paul Famba said the decision was reached after consultations with relevant institutions. He explained that the earlier retirement age often led to the exit of skilled professionals while they were still productive, forcing them into pension dependency earlier than necessary. The commission argued that allowing them to serve longer would help the country benefit from their expertise and reduce the economic burden linked to early retirement.
Under the new structure, professors, associate professors, and research scientists on permanent and pensionable terms will retire at 70, while those living with disabilities will retire at 75.
Senior lecturers and lecturers with master’s or PhD qualifications will retire at 65, with the age extended to 70 for persons with disabilities. Assistant lecturers, junior researchers, graduate assistants, and research assistants on contract will retire at 60, or 65 for those with disabilities, while non-teaching staff will continue retiring at 60, or 65 for persons with disabilities
