A pivotal change in the leadership of Kenya's Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) has been announced, signaling a new chapter for the oversight body responsible for the nation's retirement sector. In a notice dated July 29, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi formally removed Nelson Havi from his position as chairperson of the Retirement Benefits Authority. Concurrently, Prof. Philip Kaloki was officially appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board. The appointment, made "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6(1) of the Retirement Benefits Act," underscores the government's prerogative in shaping the direction of key financial institutions.
The transition sees the departure of Nelson Havi, who was officially appointed as the Chairperson of the RBA Board of Directors on "February 10, 2023," following a gazette notice by former Treasury CS Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u. Havi's appointment was for a "three-year tenure" and took effect immediately on that date. He had replaced Abdirahin H. Abdi and was initially "supposed to serve until February 2025" based on his tenure and date of appointment.
Stepping into this crucial role is Prof. Philip Kaloki, whose extensive background in both academia and public service positions him uniquely for the task. Kaloki's educational journey spans from his early days at "Molemuni Primary School" to "Kilundu Day High School and later Mutonguni High School in Kitui." He pursued his undergraduate studies at the "University of Mary Hardin–Baylor in Texas," earning a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics between 1982 and 1986. Furthering his academic credentials, he obtained an MBA from "Dallas Baptist University" and culminated his studies with a PhD in Business Administration from the "University of Nairobi."
Prof. Philip Kaloki boasts a distinguished political career. He served as the former "Member of Parliament (MP) for Kibwezi from 2008 to 2013." During his tenure in Parliament, from 2008 to 2012, Prof. Kaloki was a key figure in several committees, notably holding the position of "Vice Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance, Planning and Trade," and serving as a member of both the "Procedure and House Rules Committee (S.O. 191) and the Speaker’s Committee (S.O. 194)." More recently, in "2022," he was nominated as the running mate to Polycarp Igathe in the Nairobi gubernatorial race. His public service continued as he "resigned as the Chairman of the KMTC Board of Directors" in "2027."
