In a move set to spark public debate, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has announced revised salaries, benefits, and allowances for Speakers of the Senate, National Assembly, and County Assemblies.
Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate will now receive a basic salary of Ksh 725,017, complemented by a house allowance of Ksh 250,000 and an official commuter allowance. A salary market adjustment of Ksh 233,345 brings their gross monthly pay to Ksh 1,208,362. In addition to financial compensation, they are entitled to official transport, state-provided residences with utilities and attendants, and security as advised by the Inspector-General of Police.
Medical benefits for these top officials are extensive: inpatient treatment up to Ksh 10 million, outpatient services capped at Ksh 300,000, maternity cover of Ksh 150,000, and both dental and optical benefits of Ksh 100,000 each. They are also covered by group life insurance and personal accident schemes valued at three times their annual pensionable emoluments. Speakers can access car loans up to Ksh 10 million and mortgage facilities of up to Ksh 40 million, both at a preferential interest rate of 3% per annum. They also receive daily subsistence allowances for travel and an airtime allowance of Ksh 25,000 per month.
Meanwhile, County Assembly Speakers have also seen a substantial increase in their remuneration. Their basic salary now stands at Ksh 329,570, with a house allowance of Ksh 80,000 and a salary market adjustment of Ksh 139,713, bringing their gross monthly pay to Ksh 549,283. County Speakers are provided with an official car (not exceeding 2,000cc), residences with utilities and attendants, and security determined by the police.
Medical coverage for County Assembly Speakers includes inpatient treatment up to Ksh 3 million, outpatient care capped at Ksh 200,000, maternity cover of Ksh 100,000, and dental and optical benefits of Ksh 50,000 each. They are entitled to a service gratuity equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable emoluments for the term served or may join a pension scheme administered by SRC. County Speakers can also access car loans of up to Ksh 4 million and mortgage facilities of up to Ksh 20 million, recoverable within the contract term. Subsistence allowances for local and international travel and an airtime allowance of Ksh 10,000 per month are also included.
The SRC says these revisions aim to align remuneration packages with the responsibilities of office and ensure that public officers are adequately compensated while serving in leadership positions.
