PS Dokota Calls for Stronger Government Coordination to Anchor Pension Reforms at Pan-African Forum
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, has called for strengthened government-wide coordination to accelerate pension reforms across Africa, arguing that the continent’s economic resilience depends on coherent, well-integrated policy implementation.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Public Service Superannuation Fund (PSSF) Pan-African Pensions Conference, held at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani, the PS said that reforms in the pensions sector must be approached through a whole-of-government lens to deliver sustainable and inclusive protection for African workers.
The three-day conference brought together a diverse assembly of policymakers and experts, including Cabinet Ministers, Principal Secretaries, pension regulators, fund administrators, investment managers, scholars, and technology innovators from across the continent. The forum, convened under the theme “Beyond Capital Preservation: The Future of Pensions in Africa,” examined how pension systems can transition from basic retirement provisions into strategic tools for national development, labour market stability and long-term economic planning.
In his keynote address, PS Dokota stressed that pensions influence far more than the welfare of retirees. He said they have deep structural impacts on family livelihoods, labour mobility, national productivity and the economic stability of countries. Because of this, he argued, pension reforms require seamless collaboration across ministries and sectors.
“Pensions influence labour markets, family livelihoods and the economic stability of nations. Reforming this sector demands seamless coordination across all arms of government,” Dr. Dokota said, adding that fragmented approaches have historically impeded progress across the continent.
The PS noted that the pensions sector intersects multiple government mandates — spanning finance, labour, planning, ICT, public service management and social protection — making a coordinated inter-ministerial approach essential for long-term success. He observed that many African nations continue to grapple with disjointed policy frameworks, which slow down reform momentum and weaken confidence in pension systems.
Delegates at the conference acknowledged that the continent is experiencing rapid demographic and labour shifts. With rising life expectancy, a youthful population largely engaged in informal work, and increasing exposure to global economic disruptions, Africa’s pension architecture is under pressure to evolve. Experts warned that without adaptive, future-ready models, millions of workers could face uncertainty in retirement, with broad social and economic consequences.
Over the course of the conference, discussions converged around six priority pillars expected to shape Africa’s pension reform agenda in the coming decade. These include: sustainability of pension systems through enhanced actuarial modelling and proactive responses to demographic changes. prudent, development-oriented investment of pension assets in areas such as infrastructure, affordable housing, agriculture and renewable energy, policy and regulatory harmonisation to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication and strengthen public trust, expansion of pension coverage to informal and gig-economy workers through digital innovations, micro-pensions and flexible contribution frameworks. digital transformation and adoption of AI to improve governance, compliance, risk management and member services. regional cooperation and shared learning, enabling African nations to build interconnected, resilient pension ecosystems.
Speakers further highlighted the strategic importance of pension assets as one of the largest sources of long-term domestic capital. When safeguarded through strong governance, these funds can reduce reliance on external borrowing and enhance national economic sovereignty.
The human dimension of pension reforms was also a central theme. Delegates emphasised that pension debates must never lose sight of the lived experiences of workers, many of whom dedicate decades of service with the expectation of retiring in dignity. Without timely reforms, they cautioned, African retirees could confront severe financial insecurity — a trend that could strain families and social systems.
In his closing remarks, PS Dokota reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to driving evidence-based, inclusive and well-coordinated pension reforms. He urged institutions across the continent to translate the conference’s resolutions into measurable action that directly improves the retirement security of African workers.
“Every contributor deserves predictability, fairness and dignity in retirement. Strengthening coordination across government is vital to delivering this commitment,” he said.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment among participating nations to track the implementation of key resolutions and deepen collaboration ahead of the next edition of the PSSF Pan-African Pensions Conference.