Factors that influence successful retirement of TSC teachers in Kenya : a case study of Mutomo Division in Kitui District

Abstract

This study intended to find out the factors that influence successful retirement of TSC teachers of Mutomo Division, Kitui District, and determine if the current retirement policy met their needs, its limitations and suggest on the improvements that could be made. The study sample included thirty five teachers who were drawn from a population of 117 teachers who had retired in the previous ten years. Four independent variables; Coping with change and Psychological preparedness, Retirement benefits and the Role of saving schemes, Entrepreneurial skills and training and Membership to health insurance schemes were used to show how they affected the dependent variable, the factors that influence the successful retirement of TSC teachers in Mutomo Division, of Kitui District. The main instrument of data collection was the questionnaire and the simple random sampling technique was used to select the study sample. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics with coding of questionnaires responses done in a coding table, which were later fed to a statistical package. The findings of the study established that it was important for prior planning for retirement in order for the retirees to cope well with change, and that the pension received was inadequate for needs after retirement. It was also established that entrepreneurial skills and training was necessary for sound investment upon retirement and that it was important for retired teachers to join health schemes. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the TSC introduces programmes which would help in preparing their workforce psychologically and otherwise so that they cope well with change upon retirement. Information on alternative pension and health schemes should be availed to would be retirees and that relevant entrepreneurial training should be given to the retiree.