I have rentals and pension; is it time for me to retire?

I also have a pension of Sh15 million as at the end of 2024, my pension increases by Sh76,000 per month. My plan is to retire and access my pension tax-free as per the amended law and sort my loans as well as invest the balance in income-generating options.

My rental units are valued at Sh23.4 million as per the bank that financed me, and I have other land that is undeveloped valued at Sh5 million. I own the house I live in Nairobi. Is it a sound decision to want to retire, and what options can you give for investment?

- TWK

Dominic Karanja, a financial planning and investments consultant.

You have successfully established a robust portfolio of assets and multiple sources of income over time. Currently, your household enjoys a healthy monthly income of approximately Sh654,000, comprising your salary (net approx.) Sh290,000, rent (Gross) Sh164,000, business (net) Sh40,000, and wife’s salary (Net approx.) Sh150,000, which results in a considerable surplus after accounting for total expenses of Sh391,400.

Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that your debt-to-income ratio remains elevated, as 60 percent of your personal net salary is allocated to servicing loan obligations amounting to Sh185,400. While the diversification of your income across employment, rental property, and business ventures offers a reliable financial foundation, the key challenge ahead is to navigate from this debt-intensive phase towards a more efficient, cash-flow-positive structure in preparation for retirement.

Opting for early retirement is a prudent choice, particularly if you implement an approach to promptly eliminate your Sh6.03 million debt upon retirement. With a pension payout of Sh15 million and the provisions of the Tax Laws Finance Act 2025 and Tax Laws Amendment Act 2024 enabling a tax-free transition, it is advisable to avoid carrying substantial fixed loan costs into retirement.

Allocating a portion of your lump sum to settle these liabilities immediately will convert Sh185,400 in monthly debt service into available cash flow.

This strategy will provide a stable net passive income of approximately Sh190,000 per month from rental properties and business operations, ensuring that your post-retirement lifestyle is supported by dependable assets rather than being burdened by high-interest obligations.

To effectively replace employment income in retirement, it is advisable to focus on income-generating strategies that prioritise capital preservation and steady cash flow.

Retirees should consider allocating funds to low-risk, liquid assets, targeting annual post-withholding tax returns of 8–12 percent (with applicable interest/dividend tax rates ranging from 5–15 percent). A diversified portfolio comprising three to five different options helps balance the objectives of safety, income, and growth.

For a person with a Sh10 million pension lump sum (net of debt obligations), several viable income-generating opportunities exist within the Kenyan market. Government-backed instruments such as Treasury Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds offer attractive yields, potentially generating monthly income of between Sh100,000 and Sh117,000, while Money Market Funds (MMFs) provide high liquidity, daily compounding, and competitive returns within the 6–12 percent range.

For an investor willing to accept higher risk, developing the existing land holdings into additional rental units may yield returns of 6–10 percent plus potential property appreciation. High-intensity agribusiness ventures present another option, with possible returns up to 20 percent.

The most resilient retirement strategy integrates multiple asset classes, combining the security of government securities, the liquidity of MMFs, and the growth prospects of real estate.

This diversified approach is designed to ensure that retirement income not only meets immediate needs but also preserves purchasing power against inflation and provides flexibility for unforeseen expenses, thereby safeguarding the retiree’s financial well-being in varying economic conditions.

To strengthen your retirement plan, it is advisable to convert dormant capital into active cash flow. For instance, the Sh5M undeveloped land currently generates no returns and could be more beneficial if liquidated and reinvested in higher-yielding assets.

The transition is further supported by your spouse’s ongoing income; however, it would be prudent to review and optimise household expenditures, particularly fuel and commuting costs, after concluding your professional management role.

Lastly, ensure full compliance with tax regulations by filing your Residential Rental Income Tax at the applicable rate of 7.5 percent on gross rental income for landlords within your category.

When planning for retirement, it’s important to be aware of several significant risks. Ongoing school fees for your children mean you still have considerable education expenses, necessitating a steady cash flow.

You’ll also need to secure health insurance after retiring, as healthcare costs tend to rise with age, and employer-provided coverage will end.

The stability of your small business is another concern since its income can be inconsistent or unpredictable. Additionally, most of your wealth is tied up in rental properties, which makes you vulnerable to issues like vacancies, tenants failing to pay, regulatory changes, or costly, unexpected repairs. Inflation in Kenya, averaging 2.5–7.5 percent each year, will steadily reduce your purchasing power, so your retirement income must keep pace with increasing living expenses.

Retiring now is financially feasible, but postponing it by two years would significantly enhance your security. After that period, you’ll probably be debt-free, have a larger pension, and your children may be closer to financial independence.

Your rental properties will likely be steadier, reducing uncertainty in your income. In short, waiting to retire slightly lowers your financial risks and provides greater confidence and flexibility for the future.

If you have any money problems, send us an email at [email protected] and leave your number for contact. Money questions will be answered on this column.