The arid Baringo plains heard the pulse of economic empowerment this Monday as the GDC Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme (GDCSRBS) embarked on a week-long members' education tour to the doorstep. Board of Trustees Chairperson Zablon Mlawasi headed the meeting, supported by Trustees Christopher Ngolo, Fredrick Mayoga, Charity Zeron, and Paul Lomeri. They were accompanied by primary service providers in order to extend the entire support system to members.

After a successful launch in Baringo, the trustees moved to Kapkerwa, then to Menengai caldera, and have been to Polo center then closed with Kawi House in Nairobi. Accessibility to professionals from the Scheme administrator Enwealth Financial Services, Gen Africa the Fund Manager, and Co-operative Bank, the Custodian provided members with direct access to all elements of their pension's management and deliverables.

The meetings, led by the Trustees, got to the nub of retirement planning. Under a statutory requirement from the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), learning is centered on the overriding need for member knowledge. The team outlined complex topics: from the effects of annual benefit statements and the sorcery of compound interest to the essential choices at retirement.

“ An informed member is able to make wise decisions and determine the future he wants, we are aggressive to that through our keen investment and a drive towards Additional Voluntary contribution (AVC) and the Post-Retirement Medical Fund (PRMF), beyond that, lets save even through Money Market Funds” Mlawasi remarked.

The Trustees also shared on "The Plans for the Future" including domesticating an Income Draw Down, customizing the future member education to specific groups as well as increasing financial awareness to members in a bid to improve financial planning.

This action is a true realization of the RBA's core belief that an educated member is a powerful member. The company insists that education is a right for all human beings, which protects members by empowering them to make informed decisions, understand their investment options, and plan ahead for a secure future financially. Through the conversion of RBA guidelines into applicable knowledge with full service providers' support, GDC Retirement Scheme is gaining confidence and enabling all members to look ahead to retirement in certainty and renewed assurance.

- By Christopher Ngolo, Trustee