Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Kenyan Civil Service Pensions: Non-payment

07 December 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

Benefits & Welfare

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stephen Timms raised concerns about kenyan civil service pensions: non-payment in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP for East Ham raised concerns about Mr Balbir Singh Sekhon, a former Kenyan teacher not receiving pension payments due to lack of funds from the Kenyan Government.
  • The non-payment issue affects other constituents across the UK, impacting individuals promised pension benefits after working in public service in Kenya.
  • The Minister for Africa acknowledged the frustration and explained that HM Government assumed responsibility for certain pension liabilities in 1970, but those not meeting these criteria remain under Kenya's responsibility.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

The MP for East Ham highlighted the case of his constituent Mr Balbir Singh Sekhon, a former teacher in Kenya who is not receiving his pension payments due to a lack of funds from the Kenyan Government. The issue affects other constituents across the country, including two teachers represented by Ruth Cadbury and Sohan Singh's case led by Mrs Hodgson. The non-payment has been ongoing for over 18 months, causing significant financial hardship for individuals who were promised pension benefits after working in public service.

Other contributors (3)
  • Seema Malhotra

    Noted

  • Nigel Evans

    Called order at specific times during the debate.

  • Paul Bristow

    Discussed his constituent Mr Darshan Chana, who has not received pension payments since April 2019 and highlighted the efforts of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to resolve the issue.

Government Response

James Cleverly

The Minister for Africa acknowledged the frustration felt by Members regarding the non-payment of Kenyan civil service pensions. He explained that in 1970, HM Government assumed responsibility for certain pension liabilities but that those who did not meet these criteria remain under Kenya's responsibility. The cessation of payments began in April 2019 and affected approximately 286 individuals globally with 229 residing in the UK. The Minister stated that HM Government has been engaging regularly with Kenyan officials, including the high commissioner and ministers, to resolve this issue. He emphasised that progress has been slower than hoped but assured Members that efforts continue at both senior official and ministerial levels.

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