The Union of Kenya Civil Servants KEMRI branch has written a protest letter to the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) complaining against the Trustee-Secretary of the KEMRI staff Retirement Scheme, Ms. Joan Lelei.
The protest letter was written on 28th November 2022 and addressed to the RBA CEO.
The Union said the secretary has made it a norm to frustrate and force retiring members into choosing the “preferred insurance” in running and managing the Annuities of its senior colleagues who have left the service of the Institute.
Members of the KEMRI Retirement scheme as well as the Union complained several times even during the meetings attended by your representatives on poor communication from the Trustees on not only scheme matters but also not picking calls when called to guide the members- the letter reads.
The Union said the Team has not put in place mechanisms of handling staff/members complaints whenever an issues is raised and needs to be handled.
“We believe this is a deliberate move to continue perpetuating the impunity,” said Dr. Edward Githinji Chairman, Union of Kenya civil servants- KEMRI branch.
In the letter, the Union said that the Trustee Secretary has been forcing retired members of the scheme to select her “preferred Insurance” to manage their annuities.
They said this is done with the intention of earning a commission.
“That where the members object her demands, she becomes reluctant in forwarding the forms to the Scheme administrator for processing. That the Scheme Administrator has failed to dedicate a desk or an officer to enlighten the members on choosing/selecting the Annuity insurance of choice or the Administrator is working in conjunction with the Trustee Secretary to frustrate the members into agreement,” the letter reads.
The letter went on to say that members having lost confidence in the Secretary (members elect), she has now switched the goal-post and become the Sponsor Nominee, whereas it’s within the Sponsors right to do so.
The employees said its devastating to the entire fraternity since she does not/is not ready to do the Trustee job.
“The Authority asks the Trustee Chairperson and Secretary not to ignore the members calls and stop the don’t care attitude towards the members’ issues. That we would appreciate if the Authority investigates these claims and takes the necessary steps,” the letter reads.
The UNION requested RBA management to find it within its powers to assist the KEMRI Retirement scheme members from the forced selection and unnecessary delays emanating as a result of not selecting the “preferred insurance”.