Selected Factors Influencing Adjustment of Retirees: A Case of Ministry Of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Nairobi County

Abstract

Retirement occurs when one leaves formal employment to other engagement that may not be part of their previous work. It can also be seen as cessation of one stage of life to a new one. Most studies have concentrated on allocation and disbursement of pensions and the experiences of the retirees. Few studies have identified factors that influence the adjustment of retirees from civil service in Kenya. The objectives were to establish the influence of pre- retirement preparations on adjustment of retirees of MITC headquarters, Nairobi, explore extent to which post-retirement activities influence adjustment, determine the influence of social support on their adjustment and identify counseling interventions that could be used to help retirees adjust to retirement. The main theories used were Continuity, Jahoda’s latent Deprivation model and Cognitive Behavioural. Descriptive research design was applied using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 150 retirees who had retired from of MITC were selected from a target population of 300. Questionnaires, interview schedule and retirement adjustment scale were used to collect data. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The results of the study established that retirees were of the view that the Ministry did not do enough to facilitate various supportive programs that would have enabled them adequately plan and prepare for their retirement as indicated by their responses; a mean of 2.10 were trained on adaptive life skills training, leisure time management trainings 2.17 and financial management trainings, seminars or workshops 2.39. The study also found that the retirees engaged in different activities in their retirement but to a limited extent; mean of 2.11 were volunteers, 1.83 on part-time work, 2.23 in community services and 2.35 participated in leisure activities. In addition, the retirees experienced a fair level of support from their significant others after retirement; mean of 2.53, indicated that there was a special person around them, 2.76, get help from family and 2.72 had their friends to assist them. The study also found that a wide range of interventions could assist the retirees to adequately plan and prepare for their retirement with a mean of 2.03 indicating they would need counseling to explore other areas of work, 1.80 to be helped to transfer their mental skill to a new area and 1.74 would seek help in building confidence during the postretirement life. The study concluded that preparing for work exit, post-retirement activities and social support did influence the adjustment of retirees. The study recommends that MITC organize retirement preparation programs that cover a wide range of subjects, not only the financial perspective but also psychological and social perspectives of retirement. The study also calls on the retirees to cultivate positive social relationships with family, friends the society at large and adequately plan for activities and involvements to engage in after retirement.