|
|
|
| Kenya: 2009 Ernst and Young Budget Review |
|
|
| Tuesday, 16 June 2009 | |
|
Page 6 of 7 RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES Amendments under taxation proposals include increased tax exempt limits for lump sum withdrawals and monthly pension. Investment Policy Item 4 of table G provides for the maximum percentages that schemes can invest in government securities and collective investment schemes incorporated in Kenya and approved by the CMA. The class has been extended to include infrastructure bonds issued by public institutions. Percentage has also been increased from 70% to 90% and for schemes receiving statutory contributions, 100%. A scheme with a maximum fund value of KES100m will be allowed to invest 100% of the scheme funds in Government Securities. Previously the maximum limit was KES5m. Forms and Fees Due date for payment of retirement benefit levy increased to 6 months after year end, up from four months. This will help in cash flow planning of schemes. Minimum levy payable reduced to KES2,000 per annum, down from KES6,000 per annum. Tables AR1 and AR2, which prescribed the form of presentation of actuarial valuation (defined benefit) and actuarial review (defined contribution) reports respectively have been deleted. Such reports shall not have to follow a prescribed format. Minimum Funding Level Minimum funding level (when assets are below a certain level of accrued liabilities or scheme is unable to meet liabilities as and when they fall due) of occupational schemes increased to 100%, up from 80%. The Authority will require a scheme that is below minimum funding level to provide an actuarial report and a remedial plan. Previously schemes were only required to provide a remedial plan. Duration for implementation of the terms of the remedial plan duly approved by the RBA has been increased to six years for a scheme on ongoing basis and three years for a discontinuing scheme. Fund Managers Fund managers registered under the CMA automatically qualify for registration under the RBA Regulations subject to agreement between the CMA and the RBA. Previously fund managers under CMA had to apply for registration under the Authority. For tradable assets at the stock exchange a manager shall be required to provide an investment report in the prescribed format. Mortgage Loan Regulations The Retirement Benefits (Mortgage Loans) Regulations, 2009 under Occupational Retirement Benefits Schemes have been introduced. This follows an amendment in 2007 allowing members to assign their benefits as security for mortgage loans. The facility is only available to schemes that are registered with RBA. The institutions that qualify include:
The facility will be available for:
Duties of trustees expanded to include ensuring compliance with the regulations, the act and scheme rules with regard to:
|
| Editorials |
| Ratio Blog |
| Ratio People |
| News Analysis |
| Africa Agenda |
| EAC Regional |
| Kenya |
| Uganda |
| Tanzania |
| Rwanda |
| Southern Sudan |
| Corporate Press Releases |