Effectiveness of Churches' Strategies in Preparing Clergy For Retirement: A Case Study of Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Kenya.

Abstract

The objective of the research was to investigate the institutional and individual clergy used to prepare clergy for retirement. To achieve this, descriptive survey design adopted where quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through the use of a questionnaire. Purposeful sampling was employed. Frequency tables, z-x:es and figures were used to present the data. The study found that there was lack of retirement preparation awareness, strategies and programs that guarantees decent retirement life. In this regard, the researcher noted lack Of innovation and skills in areas of investments and income generating projects was outstanding the PCEA clergy. This was as a result of poor communication to the pensioners on pension issues and activities especially on investments. Following the above izegs, the study recommends that the church should put in place operational retirement sat%ies by playing a bigger role in preparing the clergy for retirement. Further, the a—gy should be sensitized and encouraged to embark on retirement preparation with :esion schemes being made compulsory and proper structures put in place to ensure that get a good package. Regular capacity building sessions should be organized to the clergy venture into investments and income generating activities which act as a fall back especially when the salary system has collapsed after retiring. Of :zocular importance is the need for PCEA management to benchmark itself against s:c•: successful pension schemes like the Anglican Church and Para-Church a-zanizations like BTL and borrow a leaf in areas of recovering pension arrears and mestments. This will enable the Church management put in place strategies, policies and :rvarns concerning retirement preparation and disseminates the same to the pensioners.