Salaries, Allowances, and Hefty Benefits Kenya Governors and Deputy Governors Pocket
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), pursuant to Article 230(4)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, is mandated to review and set the salaries, benefits, and allowances for governors and their deputies.
In determining these remunerations, SRC applies the principles outlined in Article 230(5) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the SRC Act, 2011.
County governors earn a basic salary of Ksh 594,000, a house allowance of Ksh 200,000, and an official commuter allowance.
They also receive a salary market adjustment of Ksh 196,000, bringing their gross monthly pay to Ksh 990,000.
Deputy county governors, on the other hand, take home a basic salary of Ksh 410,540, a house allowance of Ksh 100,000, and an official commuter allowance.
DGs receive a salary market adjustment of Ksh 173,693, bringing their gross monthly pay to Ksh 684,233.
Salaries, Allowances, and Hefty Benefits for Governors and Deputy Governors
The remuneration set for these state officers remains fixed for the duration of their term in office unless reviewed by the SRC.
The current structure is based on the reviewed job evaluation grading under the third remuneration and benefits review cycle.
For pension and gratuity purposes, the pensionable emolument is calculated based on the monthly basic salary.
Benefits for State Officers in the County Executive
Official Transport:
Governors and deputy governors are entitled to official vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc.
Medical Cover:
An annual medical cover is provided to the state officer, one spouse, and up to four dependent children below the age of 25. The cover includes:
Governor: Inpatient – Ksh 10 million, Outpatient – Ksh 300,000, Maternity – Ksh 150,000, Dental – Ksh 75,000, Optical – Ksh 75,000
Deputy Governor: Inpatient – Ksh 3 million, Outpatient – Ksh 200,000, Maternity – Ksh 100,000, Dental – Ksh 50,000, Optical – Ksh 50,000
Retirement Benefits:
State officers have two retirement options — pension or gratuity. Those appointed for a fixed term of office are entitled to a service gratuity at the rate of 31 percent of annual pensionable emoluments for the term served.
If a pension scheme exists, SRC determines the employer’s contribution rate and other financial retirement benefits.
However, no state officer is allowed to benefit from both pension and gratuity for the same period.
Insurance Coverage:
Each state officer is covered under a Group Life Insurance policy equivalent to three times their annual pensionable emoluments.
They are also covered under a Group Personal Accident scheme of the same value, with additional benefits as per the policy provisions.
Car Loan and Mortgage:
Governors are eligible for a car loan of up to Ksh 10 million and a mortgage of up to Ksh 40 million, while deputy governors qualify for a car loan of up to Ksh 6 million and a mortgage of up to Ksh 30 million.
The interest rate is 3 percent per annum, repayable over five years for car loans and 20 years for mortgages.
These schemes are managed by county treasuries and are subject to available funds.
Daily Subsistence Allowance:
Both governors and deputy governors are entitled to subsistence allowances for local and foreign travel, as reviewed periodically by SRC.
Airtime:
Governors receive up to Ksh 20,000 per month, while deputy governors get up to Ksh 15,000 per month.
Official Residence:
Each county government is required to provide an official residence for both the governor and deputy governor, complete with utilities and attendants. This benefit cannot be converted into a cash payment.
Security:
Security is provided as advised by the Inspector-General of Police and is not commutable to cash.
Annual Leave Allowance:
Governors and their deputies are entitled to a leave allowance of Ksh 50,000 per annum. Leave days are not convertible to cash.
