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The Impact of Pension Contribution Adjustments on Retirees’

Welfare: A Case of Kilimanjaro Region

Edson Benedict Nkondora

, Dr. Hezron Onyancha

, Dr. Ladis Komba

Moshi Co-operative University P.O.Box 474, Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

2 3

Wenge Catholic University P.O.Box 1226, Moshi, Kilimanjaro

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.915EC00753

Received: 07 October 2025; Accepted: 13 October 2025; Published: 10 November 2025

ABSTRACT

This study examines how pension contribution adjustments affect the welfare of retired civil servants in

Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region, focusing on members of the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF).

Using a convergent mixed-methods design, we surveyed 171 targeted retirees (143 valid questionnaires; 83.6%

response) and conducted five key-informant interviews (HR and PSSSF officers). Quantitative data (five-point

Likert; SPSS) were modeled via multiple linear regression, revealing a moderate but significant overall fit (R =

.531, R² = .282, adjusted R² = .234; F (9,133) = 5.809, p < .001; SEE ≈ 0.745). Welfare was positively associated

with perceptions of increased benefits (B = 0.179, p = .024), better long-term financial planning (B = 0.235, p =

.004), and higher overall satisfaction and well-being (B = 0.186, p = .048), alongside a significant reverse-worded

financial-security item (B = 0.161, p = .020); other items (standard of living, poverty reduction, secure income,

reliable payouts) were not independently significant once these pathways were controlled. The qualitative

narratives corroborated the mechanism that longer, predictable contributions yield larger lump sums and higher

pensions, enabling retirees to meet basic needs and sustain dignity. We conclude that recent reforms are

promising yet unevenly implemented. We recommend maintaining fair, affordable, and regularly indexed

contributions; modernizing administration to reduce payment delays; strengthening member planning tools and

financial literacy; aligning flexible retirement ages with health and labor conditions; and instituting systematic

monitoring measures that enhance benefit adequacy, planning certainty, and overall well-being for Tanzania’s

retired civil servants.

Keywords: Pension Contribution Rate, Welfare, Retired Civil Servants, Pension Benefits, Public Service Social

Security Fund.

INTRODUCTION

Pensions are a vital component of social security systems worldwide, designed to safeguard the financial well-

being of individuals after they exit the workforce. They function not only as income replacement but also as a

social protection mechanism that ensures dignity, sustenance, and stability during old age (Boden, 2021).

Globally, pension systems have undergone major reforms since the 1990s, largely in response to demographic

transitions such as population ageing, declining fertility rates, and increasing life expectancy. These reforms

have focused on balancing sustainability with adequacy protecting vulnerable groups while ensuring that

schemes remain financially viable (Holzmann, 2012).

In Argentina, Hungary, and Slovakia rolled back earlier privatizations of pensions, while countries like Estonia,

Poland, and Latvia adjusted funded pillar contributions (OECD, 2024). In Africa, reforms have increasingly

sought to extend coverage to informal and non-standard workers who make up the majority of the labour force.

Nigeria’s 2014 Pension Act, Egypt’s 2019 Social Insurance Law, and Zambia’s 2020 reforms demonstrate a

growing effort to build inclusive systems that address gaps in coverage and adequacy (Anyim et al., 2014;

Devereux, 2021; Mutale, 2023).

In Tanzania, the development of pension systems reflects both colonial legacies and contemporary reforms. The

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establishment of the Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA) in 2008 introduced oversight aimed at

harmonizing benefits and improving fund sustainability. In 2014, the SSRA enforced pension harmonization

rules to address competition among schemes, and in 2018, reforms consolidated multiple schemes into the Public

Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF), serving the public sector, while the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)

was mandated to cover private sector and informal workers (Mwakisisile & Larsson, 2021). These reforms were

intended to stabilize contributions and improve efficiency. Despite these intentions, however, pensioners in

Tanzania continue to report challenges such as delayed payments, limited adequacy of benefits, and

administrative inefficiencies. In Kilimanjaro region in particular, complaints persist regarding cumbersome

bureaucratic procedures, delayed disbursements, and lack of transparency in pension management (Fulgence &

Tarimo, 2022). Such systemic failures undermine the welfare of retirees, leaving many in precarious living

conditions.

Previous studies highlight both progress and persisting gaps in pension reforms. (Ferdinand & Ameh, 2021) and

(Rwegoshora, 2015) reported that despite reforms, many retirees in Tanzania live in poverty, experience hunger,

or die prematurely due to delayed or inadequate pensions. (John, 2025) further criticized the lack of transparency

and unethical practices among fund managers, which exacerbate retirees’ hardships. International evidence

echoes these concerns. For example, (Basiglio & Oggero, 2020) in Italy found that lack of pension contribution

awareness particularly disadvantages vulnerable groups, such as women, thus widening inequalities.

(Chukwuma, 2018) in Nigeria observed mixed outcomes from contribution reforms, as some retirees benefited

from higher contributions, while others faced difficulties due to poor implementation. (Rubyagiza, 2020) in

Rwanda and (Mutuku, 2023) in Kenya reported that higher contributions improved access to healthcare and

reduced stress, but they also noted weaknesses such as reliance on structured questionnaires and limited analysis

of specific welfare dimensions. Collectively, these studies reveal a recurring limitation: most rely on broad

surveys, structured questionnaires, or national-level data, offering little depth into regional and scheme-specific

realities. Moreover, they often fail to capture how reforms translate into tangible welfare improvements,

particularly in contexts where administrative inefficiencies persist.

In the Tanzanian case, existing literature has addressed historical challenges such as fund insolvency, inflationary

erosion of pensions, and fragmented schemes (Mchomvu et al., 2002; Jiboku et al., 2021), but little empirical

work has investigated how recent reforms, especially contribution rate changes, impact the welfare of retirees at

the regional level. The Kilimanjaro region provides an illustrative case because it combines a high concentration

of civil servants with persistent complaints of delayed payments and inadequate welfare outcomes. Thus, while

reforms are designed at the national level, their effects on the welfare of retirees in Kilimanjaro remain

underexplored. This gap is not trivial, as retirees’ quality of life depends not only on the design of reforms but

also on their implementation within specific local contexts. Addressing this gap provides the novelty of the

present study, which focuses on linking pension contribution rate changes directly to welfare outcomes among

retired civil servants in Kilimanjaro region.

The study is grounded in the Life Cycle Theory of Savings and Consumption (Modigliani & Brumberg, 1954),

which posits that individuals save during their working years with the aim of maintaining a stable standard of

living during retirement. According to the theory, pension systems are critical in smoothing consumption across

the life course, ensuring that individuals do not fall into poverty once they stop working. Applied here, the theory

suggests that pension contribution rates and benefit structures directly shape retirees’ welfare. A higher and more

predictable contribution rate should, in principle, translate into better post-retirement financial security, while

weak administration or inequitable formulas undermine this theoretical promise.

The study provides retirees with insights on how pension contributions influence financial stability, thereby

helping them plan better for retirement. Second, it equips human resource managers with evidence to advise

employees on managing contributions for maximized benefits. Third, it offers pension administrators empirical

evidence to refine formulas, improve adequacy, and address systemic inefficiencies such as delayed payments.

Finally, it informs policymakers on how to balance affordability with sustainability in pension reforms, while

providing academic contributions to theories of social protection and retirement welfare. Importantly, the study’s

novelty lies in addressing a localized evidence gap in Kilimanjaro, showing how contribution reforms translate

into lived welfare outcomes. Unlike earlier studies that offered broad national or cross country findings, this

research generates region specific insights that can shape both policy and practice in Tanzania.

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Research Method

The study adopted a convergent research design as it allowed for the collection and analysis of both quantitative

and qualitative data at a single point in time, which was cost-effective and appropriate given the limited

resources. The target population consisted of 300 retired civil servants from the Public Service Social Security

Fund (PSSSF) in the Kilimanjaro Region. A sample size of 171 respondents was determined using Slovin’s

formula, with both probability and non-probability sampling techniques employed. Purposive sampling was used

to select 5 key informants with specialized knowledge on pension schemes, while simple random sampling was

used to choose the 171 retired civil servants from a list provided by pension scheme managers. Data collection

instruments included interview guides, focus group discussion guides, and documentary analysis guides, all

pilot-tested in Hai District to enhance their reliability and validity. Validity was ensured through expert review

and strategies such as triangulation and member checking, while reliability was measured using Cronbach’s

alpha, with a threshold of 0.7. Data collection procedures involved distributing questionnaires to retirees visiting

the pension office and conducting face-to-face interviews with key informants. Data analysis employed multi-

linear regression approach to assess the preference of the respondents in regard to social security fund benefits.

Research Finding

This section discusses the return rate of the research instruments used in the study. The return rate of research

instruments is summarized and presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Return Rate

Category

Target Population

Expected Sample Size

Actual Respondents

Return Rate

Key Informants

100%

Retired Civil Servants

300

177

143

83%

Total

300

177

143

83%

Source: Researcher's Own Construction (2025)

As shown in Table 1, Table 1 summarizes strong participation across groups. Among retired civil servants the

study’s primary respondents 143 of 177 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 83%, while

key informants achieved 100% participation (5 of 5). Overall, this produced a total return rate of 83% (143 of

177), based on a target population of 300 and an expected sample of 177 (Source: Researcher’s Own

Construction, 2025). Note: the narrative figure “143 out of 171” appears to be a typographical error; the table

indicates 177 expected, which is used here for consistency.

These return rates indicate robust engagement and bolster the credibility of the findings. The near-complete

coverage of expert informants strengthens the qualitative context, and the high retired-civil-servant response

supports reliable quantitative inference about perceptions of contribution-rate changes and welfare. Nonetheless,

as with any survey, potential non-response bias should be acknowledged; future work could compare early vs.

late respondents or key demographics to confirm representativeness.

The satisfactory return rate permitted the researcher to proceed confidently with data analysis. It also suggests

that the research instruments were effectively designed and appropriately administered, considering the study

population’s characteristics and availability. High response rates often correlate with increased data accuracy

and reduced nonresponse bias (Dillman et al, 2014).

To maintain or improve such return rates in future studies, it is recommended that researchers adopt follow-up

strategies such as reminder calls or visits and ensure the simplicity and clarity of research instruments, especially

when engaging older populations (Fowler, 2014). Additionally, offering small incentives or emphasizing the

social value of the study can help motivate participation (Singer & Ye, 2013). Finally, documenting reasons for

non-response, when feasible, can help refine sampling and engagement strategies for future research efforts

(Groves, 2006).

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The study was to determine the influence of pension contribution rate changes on welfare of retired civil

servants. The results from linear regression model were presented in model shown below, the predictors were

perceptions about pension contribution rates benefits such as reliable payouts, higher benefits, better long-term

planning, maintained living standards, greater satisfaction, secure income, and reduced poverty as shown in

Table 2.

Table 2: Model Summary

Model Summary

Model

R Square

Adjusted R Square

Std. Error of the Estimate

.531

.282

.234

.745

Source: Researcher's Own Construction (2025)

Table 2 shows a moderate positive link between perceptions of contribution-rate benefits and retirees’ welfare

(R = .531). The model explains 28.2% of welfare variance (adjusted R² = .234), with prediction error around

.745 units.

The ANOVA confirms the model’s overall fit is statistically significant, F(9,133) = 5.809, p < .001, with the

regression component accounting for SS = 29.017 of the total SS = 102.839 (residual SS = 73.822). The

corresponding mean squares (MS_reg = 3.224, MS_res = 0.555) yield an effect size of η² = SSR/SST ≈ .282,

consistent with R² = .282 and a residual variance implying a standard error of estimate of √0.555 ≈ 0.745. In

practical terms, the set of predictors jointly explains about 28% of the variability in retirees’ welfare as indicated

in Table 3.

The ANOVA results show that the regression model is statistically significant, meaning the nine predictors

jointly improve prediction of retirees’ welfare beyond an intercept-only model: F(9,133) = 5.809, p < .001. The

regression explains SS = 29.017 of the total SS = 102.839, yielding R² ≈ .282 (about 28.2% of variance

explained). The mean squares (MS_reg = 3.224 vs MS_res = 0.555) indicate that explained variance is

substantially larger than unexplained variance on a per–degree-of-freedom basis, and the residual mean square

corresponds to a standard error of estimate ≈ 0.745. In sum, the model provides a reliable, moderate overall fit:

perceptions about contribution-rate changes have a meaningful aggregate association with retirees’ welfare,

though additional factors outside the model still account for most of the remaining variation.

Table 3: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

ANOVA

Model

Sum of Squares

Mean Square

Sig.

Regression

29.017

3.224

5.809

.000

Residual

73.822

133

.555

Total

102.839

142

Source: Researcher's Own Construction (2025)

Table 4: Regression Coefficients

Coefficients

Unstandardized

Coefficients

Standardized

Coefficients

Sig.

Std. Error

Beta

(Constant)

1.069

.439

2.434

.016

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Contribution rate changes have no effect on

welfare of retired civil servants in Tanzania.

-.153

.067

-.192

-2.294

.023

Higher contribution rates often lead to increased

retirement benefits.

.179

.079

.193

2.279

.024

Increased contributions can help retirees maintain

a higher standard of living.

.114

.070

.131

1.628

.106

Changes in contribution rates offer retirees better

planning for their long-term financial needs.

.235

.079

.243

2.963

.004

Higher pension rates do not significantly affect the

financial security of retirees.

.161

.069

.190

2.352

.020

Adjusted contribution rates can offer secure

retirement income over the long term.

.040

.083

.047

.484

.629

Improved pension contribution rates help lower

the risk of poverty among retired civil servants.

.028

.090

.034

.317

.752

Higher pension contribution rates generally

increase overall satisfaction and well-being among

retirees.

.186

.093

.189

1.997

.048

Adjusted contribution rates enable pension fund to

ensure reliable future payouts.

-.058

.077

-.067

-.759

.449

Dependent Variable: Welfare of retired civil servants.



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

󰇜

             





 





Higher contribution rates often lead to increased retirement benefits





Changes in contribution rates offer better long-term planning





Higher pension rates do not significantly affect financial security





Higher contribution rates increase overall satisfaction and well-being

From the regression results, five predictors showed statistically significant associations with the welfare of

retired civil servants (p < .05) and will be retained for model building: Based on the coefficients, five predictors

are statistically significant (p < .05) and retained for model building: X₁ “contribution rate changes have no

effect on welfare” (B = −0.153, β = −0.192, p = .023; negative), X₂ “higher contribution rates often lead to

increased retirement benefits” (B = 0.179, β = 0.193, p = .024), X₃ “changes in contribution rates offer better

long-term planning” (B = 0.235, β = 0.243, p = .004), X₄ “higher pension rates do not significantly affect

financial security” (B = 0.161, β = 0.190, p = .020), and X₅ “higher contribution rates increase overall satisfaction

and well-being” (B = 0.186, β = 0.189, p = .048). The findings above resonate with the interview presented

below.

Resource Officer

"Long-term contributions to social security funds by public sector employees are directly associated with higher

benefit entitlements. Retirees who have contributed for extended periods are more likely to receive larger lump-

sum payments and higher monthly pensions. These benefits play a critical role in enabling retirees to meet basic

needs, sustain a decent quality of life, and remain integrated within their communities, thus reinforcing the

broader objectives of social protection." (Interview with Human Resource Officer Moshi District Council, 14

January, 2025)

The regression results and the interview converge on the same story: contribution-rate changes that increase or

sustain payments are meaningfully linked to better retiree outcomes. Quantitatively, significant predictors show

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that higher contribution rates are associated with increased retirement benefits, stronger long-term financial

planning, and greater overall satisfaction and well-being, while the “no-effect” item’s negative coefficient

indicates respondents reject the idea that contribution changes are irrelevant. Qualitatively, the Moshi District

Council HR officer (14 Jan 2025) explains why: longer and stronger contribution histories translate into larger

lump sums and higher monthly pensions, which help retirees meet basic needs, maintain a decent standard of

living, and stay integrated in their communities. Together, the data and the interview reinforce a coherent social-

protection mechanism, more robust contributions, higher entitlements, improved welfare.

In terms of the standard of living, In the multivariable regression, this specific item showed a positive effect but

did not reach statistical significance (B = 0.114, β = 0.131, p = .106) once other correlated perceptions were

controlled; however, closely related predictors such as increased benefits, better long-term planning, and greater

overall satisfaction were significant, collectively supporting the pathway from stronger contributions to

improved welfare. This convergence between descriptive opinions, significant regression drivers, and external

evidence (Mbise, 2020), further reinforced by the PSSSF officer interview, suggests that higher contributions

plausibly bolster retirees’ standard of living even if the isolated survey item loses significance amid overlapping

predictors. This was supported by Interview with PSSSF Officer, Moshi Office:

“The formula structure was revised significantly following amendments to the pension payment regulations.

Under the new system, lump sum payments were set at 40%, while monthly pension payments accounted for

60% which relates to their contributions. These changes have enhanced retirees' ability to meet monthly living

expenses, as compared to the previous arrangement under the old law, which allocated 50% to both lump sum

and monthly payments.” (Interview with Pension Fund Officer, Moshi Office, 19

February, 2025).

Most respondents endorsed the planning value of contribution-rate adjustments well over half agreed, a small

share disagreed, and roughly three in ten were neutral (mean = 3.62) and this perception is confirmed by the

regression, where “changes in contribution rates offer better long-term planning” is a significant predictor of

welfare (B = 0.235, p = .004). Likewise, a large majority agreed that higher contributions support retirees’

economic well-being, with only a small minority disagreeing and about one in five neutral (mean = 3.80); this

aligns with the model’s significant effect for “higher contribution rates increase overall satisfaction and well-

being” (B = 0.186, p = .048). Together, these results indicate that contribution consistency and predictability not

only receive broad support descriptively but also translate into measurable welfare gains in the multivariable

model, echoing prior evidence (Lwendo, 2021; Mgeni & Kalugendo, 2022).

Responses to whether higher pension rates do not affect retirees’ financial security were more divided about half

agreed, roughly a quarter disagreed, and a similar share were neutral with a mean of 3.31, indicating only

moderate agreement and some uncertainty. Notably, in the regression this item significantly predicted welfare

(B = 0.161, p = .020), meaning respondents who endorsed the statement tended perhaps counterintuitively given

its wording to report higher welfare, underscoring the complexity of how people interpret “financial security.”

This mixed picture likely reflects differences in personal assets, savings habits, family support, investment

choices, and pension management experiences, echoing prior findings (Rwechungura & Luta, 2021) that

retirement security depends on more than pension amounts alone. For pension administrators and social policy

planners, the takeaway is a holistic approach that integrates pension benefits with financial education, asset-

building opportunities, and post-retirement support services. Interview with the Human Resource Officer

respondent reflected:

"Policy-driven changes in the pension contribution and benefit distribution system have had significant

implications for the financial stability of retirees. The government's adjustments such as altering the ratio of

lump-sum to monthly pension payments from 50:50, to 33:67, and most recently to 40:60 have introduced

inconsistencies in income flows for pensioners. These fluctuations have made it increasingly difficult for retirees

to meet the rising cost of living, thereby highlighting a gap in the sustainability and predictability of retirement

benefits. Such instability underscores the need for more transparent and evidence-based pension policy reforms

to ensure long-term income security for the retired population.".” (Interview with Human Resource Officer,

February 11th, 2025)

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Perceptions about adjusted contribution rates offering secure retirement income over the long term showed broad

agreement most respondents agreed, a smaller share disagreed, and about a quarter were neutral (mean = 3.55)

reflecting trust in well-managed contribution systems as a path to income security. However, in the multivariable

regression this item did not independently predict welfare once other factors were controlled (B = 0.040, p =

.629), suggesting its effect overlaps with stronger drivers such as increased benefits, better long-term planning,

and overall satisfaction. Even so, the descriptive pattern aligns with prior work (Mwakisu & Njau, 2020) that

frames transparent, consistently adjusted contributions as a strategic mechanism for sustaining long-term income

security.

Perceptions linking improved pension contribution rates to poverty reduction showed broad agreement most

respondents agreed, a smaller share disagreed, and roughly a quarter were neutral with a mean of 3.63, indicating

strong endorsement of contributions as a buffer against hardship. However, in the multivariable regression this

item did not independently predict welfare once other factors were controlled (B = 0.028, p = .752), suggesting

that its effect overlaps with stronger drivers such as increased benefits, better long-term planning, and overall

satisfaction. Even so, the descriptive pattern aligns with prior evidence (Zablon & Mtui, 2021) that effective,

adequately funded pension systems function as a social safety net for retirees especially where alternative

supports are limited and underscores the policy value of contribution reforms aimed at reducing poverty risk.

Perceptions that higher pension contributions increase overall satisfaction and well-being showed broad

agreement most respondents agreed, a small minority disagreed, and about three in ten were neutral (mean =

3.72) suggesting retirees feel greater security and peace of mind when benefits are sufficient and reliable.

Consistent with this view, the multivariable regression found a significant positive effect for this item (B = 0.186,

p = .048), indicating that higher perceived contributions are associated with higher overall welfare even after

controlling for other factors. For pension administrators and policymakers, this implies that scheme design

influences not only financial security but also retirees’ broader satisfaction and mental well-being, echoing

evidence that stronger contributions support both material and psychological health in retirement.

Perceptions that adjusted contribution rates enable pension funds to ensure reliable future payouts showed broad

agreement most respondents endorsed the statement, a small minority disagreed, and about one in five were

neutral with a mean of 3.80, underscoring confidence in contribution adjustments as vital to system sustainability

and credibility. However, in the multivariable regression this item did not independently predict welfare (B =

−0.058, p = .449), suggesting its effect overlaps with stronger drivers such as increased benefits, better long-

term planning, and overall satisfaction. Even so, the overall pattern reinforces the view that fair and predictable

contributions underpin retirees’ welfare, security, and dignity, consistent with evidence that financially secure

retirement environments bolster psychological well-being and reduce dependence on extended family networks

(Nkuba, 2022).

The study indicates that changes in pension contribution rates meaningfully affect retirees’ welfare.

Descriptively, many retirees linked higher contributions with greater benefits, economic security, and a better

standard of living; in the multivariable model, key pathways remained significant perceptions of increased

benefits (B = 0.179, p = .024), better long-term planning (B = 0.235, p = .004), greater overall satisfaction and

well-being (B = 0.186, p = .048), and the reverse-worded financial security item (B = 0.161, p = .020). By

contrast, items on maintaining a higher standard of living (p = .106), poverty reduction (p = .752), secure long-

term income (p = .629), and reliable future payouts (p = .449) were not independently significant once the

stronger predictors were included, suggesting these perceptions operate largely through benefits, planning, and

satisfaction. Overall, retirees value consistent, predictable contributions that support financial stability and foster

a sense of security, dignity, and independence underscoring the central role of pension policy design in shaping

quality of life after retirement.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that changes in pension contribution rates have a meaningful, statistically supported

influence on the welfare of retired civil servants in Tanzania. In the multivariable model, perceptions of increased

benefits, better long-term financial planning, and higher overall satisfaction and well-being remained significant

drivers of welfare, alongside the reverse-worded financial security item together indicating that stronger, well-

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regulated contributions translate into real improvements in retirees’ lives. While some perceptions (e.g., poverty

reduction, reliable future payouts, and maintaining a higher standard of living) showed broad descriptive support,

they did not independently predict welfare once the stronger pathways were included, suggesting their effects

operate through benefits, planning, and satisfaction. Overall, the evidence points to the policy importance of

transparent, fair, and predictable contribution systems that enhance benefit adequacy and planning certainty

thereby safeguarding retirees’ economic stability, dignity, and emotional well-being over the long term.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the study’s findings, the government and PSSSF should keep pension contribution rates fair,

predictable, and responsive to economic realities, with regular reviews tied to inflation and wage growth to

protect benefit adequacy and purchasing power. To translate the model’s strongest pathways into practice,

PSSSF should enhance planning certainty through clear, timely communication about any contribution changes,

member-friendly projections (statements, calculators, USSD/SMS balance checks), and targeted financial

literacy for active, near-retiree, and retired members. Transparency measures plain-language circulars, change

logs, FAQs, and stakeholder briefings will bolster trust and satisfaction, while operational commitments to

timely disbursements and investments in actuarial, risk, and investment systems will support long-term fund

sustainability. Policymakers should strengthen regulation on indexation, disclosure, asset–liability matching, and

employer compliance, require impact assessments for major policy shifts, and monitor a concise KPI set linked

to benefit adequacy, planning certainty, and member satisfaction. Where poverty risk persists, targeted support

should be channeled through these significant levers (e.g., calibrated top-ups for long-tenure low-wage cohorts,

default annuitization options). Together, these actions recognize pension contributions not merely as fiscal

obligations but as investments in retirees’ economic stability, dignity, and emotional well-being.

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