For years now, Kenya’s elected politicians have seen their salaries rise significantly, reaching levels that are often considered unacceptable by voters. While the serving President is the highest-paid politician in the country, others at different levels also earn substantial pay.
These include members of Parliament, Senators, and Governors, whose salaries approach six figures. On top of their basic pay, they enjoy massive allowances and car grants.
In comparing how much these public servants earn, Times Digital Kenya takes a closer look at each.
MPs’ Salary
Kenya’s lawmakers have seen a steady rise in their salaries over the years, making them some of the highest-paid public servants.
For instance, MPs in the 12th Parliament started with a salary of Ksh. 532,000, which increased to Ksh. 576,875 in their second year.
Within a few years, it rose to Ksh. 621,250, then Ksh. 665,625, before reaching their current salary, which ranges between Ksh. 725,502 and Ksh. 739,600.
On top of their basic salary, a Member of Parliament can take advantage of all their cash benefits, bringing home a total of around Ksh. 1.5 million in a month.
Some of the allowances that MPs enjoy include a sitting allowance, which starts at Ksh. 5,000 and can go up to a maximum of Ksh. 120,000 monthly.
That’s not all—they also receive a car maintenance allowance of Ksh. 356,525 and an airtime allowance of Ksh. 15,000.
Senators’ salary in Kenya
Just like Members of Parliament, the salary of Kenya Senators is set by the SRC. According to the latest issue published in the Kenya Gazette, a member of the Senate earns a gross salary of Ksh. 739,600.
This gross salary includes a basic pay of Ksh. 443,760, a house allowance of Ksh. 150,000, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh. 145,840.
Other benefits include a committee sitting allowance, official transport, mileage allowance, special duty allowance, and medical benefits.
Salary of a Governor in Kenya
Among the three, County Governors in Kenya seem to have the highest salaries. According to the latest financial year, a county governor earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh. 957,000.
The gross salary includes a basic pay of Ksh. 574,200 and a house allowance of Ksh. 200,000.
In addition to the house allowance, a governor receives other benefits, including an official commuter allowance and a salary market adjustment of Ksh. 182,800.
County Governors also enjoy several other benefits, such as medical coverage, an official residence, retirement benefits, airtime, daily subsistence allowances for both local and foreign travel, annual leave allowances, and security provisions.
