By Job Maangi
The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), has launched a new grants programme to support journalists in reporting on retirement savings and pension issues.
The initiative, unveiled this week, offers travel grants of up to KShs 10,000 to MCK‑accredited journalists and media practitioners, aiming to promote in‑depth, solution‑focused coverage of a sector often underreported in Kenya’s media.
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Applications are open until May 15, 2026, with applicants required to submit a synopsis of not more than 150 words.
Successful grantees must ensure their stories are published or broadcast by June 19, 2026.
The programme encourages exploration of themes such as compound interest in long‑term savings, innovative pension solutions for the informal sector, unlocking forgotten wealth in unclaimed assets, post‑retirement medical funds, and the role of pensions in driving national economic growth.
Speaking during the announcement, officials stressed the importance of human‑centred narratives.
“We must move beyond statistics and tell the human stories of retirees who struggle, innovate, and succeed in building financial security,” the statement noted, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on blending data with lived experiences.
By covering expenses such as travel, communication, and meals, the grants are designed to enable journalists to reach communities where pension challenges are most acute.
The initiative also seeks to highlight reforms, opportunities, and the impact of digital transformation in the pensions sector, while fostering financial literacy and behavioural change in savings culture.
Applications can be submitted through the official MCK portal, with queries directed to grants@mediacouncil.or.ke. Offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru will provide additional support.
Through this collaboration, the RBA and MCK hope to shape Kenya’s pension narrative not only through policy but also through compelling journalism that informs and empowers citizens.
