Social and cultural dynamics of life after retirement From public service in kenya: a case study of retirees from Kenyatta national hospital, nairobi, kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of social and cultural changes brought about by retirement on the quality of life of the average retirees from public service in Kenya, with focus on the retirees from Kenyatta National Hospital. The study was guided by the following objectives: to find out the forms and patterns of pre-retirement preparations done while in public service in Kenya, to find out the experiences and challenges faced by public service retirees in Kenya, to determine the sources of livelihood and activities retirees are engaged in and to establish the extend of social support from government, other stake holders and the community for the retirees. The literature review comprised of retirement overview in Kenya, financial sources and pensions of retirees in Kenya, adjustments in retirement, effects of retirement on individual, family and the society and on gender, pre-retirement preparation and retirement planning programs. The theoretical framework was based on disengagement Vs activity theory, conflict theory and continuity theory The study adopted a descriptive research design. Simple random sampling and Snowball sampling technique was used. The target population comprised of retirees from Kenyatta National Hospital. Instruments for data collection in the field included questionnaires, interview schedules and observation guides. For analysis of the data, descriptive statistics such as frequencies and statistics were used. The findings of the study on forms and patterns of pre-retirement preparation programs in public service in Kenya indicated that there were insufficient training programs on preretirement planning. More than half of the respondents indicated that they had never attended any. The study also found that the sources of livelihood and activities retirees were engaged in were mainly farming and part time jobs. Findings also indicated that a large number of retirees, received pensions of below 10,000 shillings and increments to the pensions were negligible compared to the rate of inflation. On the experiences, more than half of the respondents had to change locations mainly due to the cost of housing, a large number indicated they did not have anything to occupy their time, and a few indicated that they never used to introduce themselves as retirees. A large number of the respondents indicated that they thought retirement had affected their life negatively. Among the major challenges faced by retirees from public service organizations, was inability to afford many basic requirements like decent housing, decent clothing, medicines and even proper meals for some. This was indicated by majority of the respondents and unemployment of their adult children was also indicated by a large number of the respondents. Findings also showed that majority of the retirees were not aware of any social support for retirees by the government or the community. From the study, it was concluded that retirement had a negative impact on the life of retirees from public service organizations. Adjustments that had to be made in the social and cultural activities of life after retirement was challenging for many people. It was also concluded that there was inadequate preparation for retirement by many individuals and even the organization they worked for did not engage much in preparing its employees for retirement. Finally, the study concluded that support for the retired in the community; either from the government or other stake holders was inadequate. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders should come up with policies which will favor the quality of life of retirees and similar studies to be done on retirees form private organizations and informal setups and possibly compare the findings of these studies.