An Assessment of Psychosocial Anxiety Encountered by PCEA Clergy Transiting to Retirement in Kiambu County, Kenya

Retirement is an inevitable stage for employees. The aim of the study was to focus on the assessment of the psychosocial anxiety encountered by clergy transiting to retirement in PCEA Presbyteries in Kiambu County. The study used two theories the role theory and the psychosocial anxiety.  Descriptive research design was adopted for the study and stratified random sampling was used to collect data. Tools for data collection included structured questionnaires and interviews. The population of the study comprised of 110 clergy serving in 15 presbyteries and 83 parishes in Kiambu County. The study had a target sample size of 86 clergy who were administered with questionnaires. A total of 62 questionnaires were filled and returned constituting a 72% response rate. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0 version and excel.  Quantitative data was presented by use of tables, charts and graphs and qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis by use of verbatim statements and response from the clergy based on the objectives of the study. The study found out that main challenge facing clergy was lack of retirement preparedness. The study identified factors associated with retirement anxiety can be mitigated by adequate trainings and preparations.  Key findings of this study identified that PCEA clergy in Kiambu County have been going through psychosocial anxiety that has affected their holistic wellbeing to great extent.  Findings showed that most of the clergy have been negatively affected by the impact of psychosocial anxiety as evidenced by excessive worrying, anxiety, stress, having symptoms of depression and negative attitude towards retirement. The study found out that the church had not adequately invested on the psychosocial preparedness and wellbeing of their clergy in retirement.  The study recommended that the church administration should consider effective trainings and professional counseling’ services offered to their clergy as mitigation strategies. Further the church should consider having a counseling department to be handling psychosocial issues of their clergy while preparing for retirement and in retirement. The study concluded that the lower the psychosocial anxiety the higher the wellbeing of clergy with decreased symptoms of stress and depression.