One thing that you can be sure about is that you will not be in active employment forever. Have you planned for your life after? According to former Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) CEO, Dr. Edward Odundo, over 80% of Kenyans fall into old-age poverty because they failed to save. Most people assume that retirement is far off, and they will have figured a way out before then. Unfortunately, many retirees wish they had started saving earlier. To avoid all this misery, you can secure your future with the Cytonn Personal Retirement Benefits Scheme (CPRBS).

CPRBS is a well-structured retirement benefits scheme that covers individuals whose employers do not have a pension scheme or are self-employed. This includes professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and architects. However, CPRBS is not just for people in formal employment. Self-employed persons like drivers, shopkeepers, and farmers can join and enjoy all the benefits of a pension cover. Even if you are enrolled in another scheme, nothing stops you from joining CPRBS if you feel you want to save as much as you can in your most productive years. Employers in Small Medium Enterprises may also join CPRBS for themselves and their employees.

As with any other pension scheme, contributing to CPRBS reduces your taxable income since it is deducted before tax is computed. Furthermore, the investment income derived from these contributions are exempt from tax. Ultimately, this translates to a lighter PAYE burden and maximises returns from your contributions.

Additionally, the contribution is flexible and affordable. With a minimum input of 1,000 shillings per month and no maximum, you can save as much as your pocket allows you to. As a result, retirement savings are made available for everyone, regardless of financial ability.

CPRBS also offers high returns. When you put your money in such a scheme, you will benefit from returns that are above the market average. It will certainly earn you more than the average savings bank account.  What’s more, the investment income is compounded and so there is an assured growth tied to your capital.

Moreover, you can use your pension savings in various ways. For example, it can act as a collateral for a mortgage. Essentially, you can assign 60% of your accumulated contributions to secure a mortgage. This acts as a secondary security to the mortgage as the primary security is the house you are purchasing.

 Lastly, as required by the law, CPRBS has safeguards that prevent you from accessing your pension unless it is absolutely necessary.

 This means that you will not have to rely on your children or other relatives to support you in your old age. More importantly, you will maintain your dignity and independence.

Your retirement should be about taking a well-deserved break to enjoy the fruits of your labour. This is something you can achieve through CPRBS.

So how do you join? It’s simple. You need only fill the application form and attach a copy of your ID or Passport, KRA pin and proof of address. After you make your first contribution, you will be issued a membership certificate. This makes you a full member. All that’s left to do is make your monthly contributions (Kshs. 1,000 minimum) and watch your nest egg grow.