By the time many people start thinking about retirement, they’re already deep into their careers — juggling deadlines, chasing promotions and wondering if they’ve done enough to secure a comfortable future. Sounds familiar?

On the other hand, some people paint a dreamy picture of retirement — themselves living on a few acres in Kamulu or Nanyuki, growing fruit trees, maybe raising a few cows and enjoying peaceful sunsets. But real retirement planning requires more than just fantasies — it takes intentional financial planning, smart investments and a clear vision of your future lifestyle.

Retirement Is About Comfort, Not Just Wealth

Financial experts say comfort is key when preparing for retirement. That means your monthly bills are covered, healthcare is affordable, and your children aren’t financially burdened after your career ends.

Retirement planning shouldn’t just be about accumulating wealth — it’s about creating a life where you don’t have to turn to WhatsApp groups for medical emergencies or struggle to fund your kids’ education.

Why You Need to Start Early

According to Moses Ananga, Head of Treasury and Custodial Services at Credit Bank, retirement planning should start as early as possible — ideally at the beginning of your career.

“Your investment strategy evolves as your life changes,” he says.

When you’re young, you have fewer responsibilities and can take more investment risks. This is the best time to dive into long-term options like stocks, land or real estate.

As you grow older, especially in your 40s and 50s, the timeline to retirement shortens. Your investment approach needs to become more conservative, prioritizing stability and guaranteed income over high-risk ventures.

“You can’t afford to lose money in your 50s. Go for investments that give you a steady return and preserve your capital,” Ananga advises.

Tailor Investments To Fit Your Life

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for retirement planning. Ananga is quick to point out that your career path, personal goals and current financial situation should guide your investment choices.

“It’s wrong to assume there’s one perfect investment for everyone. People have different needs and operate in different environments.”

His key advice? Only invest in what you understand. Jumping into unfamiliar ventures could cost you more than you bargained for.

Traditional vs Alternative Investments: Know the Difference

When planning for the long term, it’s good to know the types of investments out there. Ananga breaks them down into two categories:

  • Traditional Investments: These are equities (stocks), bonds and collective investment schemes like mutual funds.

  • Alternative Investments: These are real estate, land and other tangible assets.

For example, if you love real estate, you can go the direct route (buy land or property) or opt for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — which allow you to earn from property investments without owning physical buildings.

Why Collective Investment Schemes Are Ideal For Many

One of the most accessible ways to grow your money is through Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) — which include:

  • Money Market Funds

  • Balanced Funds

  • Equity Funds

  • Fixed Income Funds

These funds don’t require large initial investments, making them ideal for people just getting started or those who prefer not to manage investments themselves.

“CIS funds usually offer competitive returns since fund managers can negotiate better rates with financial institutions,” says Ananga.

Besides better returns, you also get the benefit of professional management, with trustees and fund managers looking out for your interests — a huge plus for those who may not be investment-savvy.

Is It Too Late to Start in Your 50s?

Absolutely not! While your investment strategy should be more cautious at this stage, there’s no age limit to building wealth.

“Even in your 50s, you can still start investing. The approach just needs to be strategic and low risk,” Ananga says.

At this point in life, capital preservation and consistent returns should be your top priorities. Your goal should be to ensure a steady income while protecting the money you’ve worked so hard to earn.

Retirement Is About Lifestyle, Not Just Money

Ultimately, retirement isn’t only about having money in the bank — it’s about maintaining the lifestyle you want and ensuring your health and wellbeing are taken care of.

Ananga sums it up perfectly: “Plan for retirement with comfort in mind. Aim to live your later years without financial strain or stress.”

Key Takeaways

  • Start early: The sooner you begin, the better your financial outcome.

  • Understand your investments: Don’t invest in what you can’t explain.

  • Tailor your strategy to your life stage: Risk when young, stabilize as you age.

  • Explore collective funds: They offer good returns and professional management.

  • Keep your end goal in mind: Retirement is about peace of mind, not just money.

Planning for retirement doesn’t need to be scary or overwhelming. It’s all about making small, smart decisions now to enjoy a stress-free, fulfilling life later.