Nairobi — The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) has declined a request by lawyers representing the Standard Chartered Kenya Pension Fund for more time to respond to a complaint filed by four claimants, ordering submissions within 14 days to avoid further delays.

In a letter dated April 28, the regulator said it had considered a request by Hamilton Harrison and Mathews, acting for the pension fund, for a 30-day extension but found the timeline unjustified given the time already elapsed since the initial correspondence.

"We note that a considerable period has already lapsed since you were served with a correspondence requesting your response," read the letter by RBA's Market Conduct and Industry Development office in part.

"The additional thirty (30) days sought is excessive and would occasion unnecessary delay in the resolution of the matter."

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The dispute involves a complaint lodged by Davies Kajogu, Lawrence Aswani, Paul Wanyoike and Ian Amogola against the pension scheme, which adds to scrutiny over governance and historical claims within retirement benefits schemes.

In its earlier correspondence to the regulator, the law firm had argued that the complexity and scope of new allegations required more time to compile a comprehensive response.

"The claimants have made new allegations in the supplementary submissions filed, and our client appreciates the opportunity to respond to these allegations," said partner Lawson Ondieki.

"Some of the allegations, relate to actions that took place as far back as 1970 it is therefore taking time for our client to go through its records."

The lawyers had requested until May 22 to submit further responses, citing the need to uphold their client's right to a fair hearing.