The Ministry of Defence has publicized new reforms that bar KDF widows and widowers from remarrying or starting new relationships.
Defence CS Monica Juma and PS Ibrahim Mohamed gazetted the guideline on September 17.
According to the new guidelines, widows or widowers who go contrary will not access pension benefits.
Likewise, those who neglect the deceased KDF officer’s children will face the same aftermath.
“The board shall cease payment of the pension from the date next following remarriage or cohabitation upon confirmation of the same,” KDF (Pensions and Gratuities) (Officers and Service Members) Regulations, 2021, reads.
In a case whereby the widow or widower has children by the deceased KDF member under his or her charge, they will likely receive the pension for the children.
“The money is to be used in the maintenance and education of the child or children to the satisfaction of the Pensions Assessment Committee,” the reforms state.
In instances where the officer’s children remain alive, or the payment to a widow comes to an end, the children shall receive double their portion.
According to the regulations, “Pension for the child shall cease upon their marriage.”
If there is no widower or widow, or if the latter abandons any child of the deceased, the KDF committee will opt to pay the pension to an approved guardian,” the guidelines read.
In the case where an officer leaves no widow, children or dependents, surviving parents, brothers, and sisters would automatically benefit from the gratuity.
The new reforms further have that a marriage must be legal for a widow or widower to access a pension.
Meanwhile, pensions and gratuities will be paid, within 90 days of an officers’ death or retirement.
“Pension or gratuity shall be paid within 90 days from the date of retirement or from the date of the death of an officer or service member, except where such payment is delayed by court cases,” the guidelines read.
By Everlyne Bosibori
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