The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is responsible for reviewing and setting the salaries and benefits for Members of Parliament (MPs), as mandated by Article 230 (4) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
The Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (2021/2022 to 2024/2025) determines the current salaries and benefits for MPs in Kenya.
1. Salary of a Member of Parliament (MP)
MP salaries vary based on their role in Parliament:
- Leader of the Majority Party
- Leader of the Minority Party
- Regular Member of the National Assembly or Senate
The SRC has frozen salary increases for state officers in the 2024/2025 financial year, meaning the 2023/2024 salaries remain in effect.
| Position | Gross Monthly Salary (KES) (2023/2024 – 2024/2025) | Basic Salary (KES) | House Allowance (KES) | Salary Market Adjustment (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leader of the Majority/Minority | 784,768 – 800,019 | 470,861 – 480,011 | 150,000 | 163,907 |
| Regular MP (National Assembly/Senate) | 725,502 – 739,600 | 435,301 – 443,760 | 150,000 | 140,201 – 145,840 |
What is Salary Market Adjustment?
- It aligns MP salaries with market rates, ensuring they match those in similar positions elsewhere.
2. Additional Benefits for Members of Parliament (MPs)
(i) Committee Sitting Allowance
MPs serving in parliamentary committees receive sitting allowances as follows:
| Position | Allowance per Sitting (KES) | Monthly Maximum (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | 15,000 | 240,000 |
| Vice-Chairperson | 12,000 | 192,000 |
| Member | 7,500 | 120,000 |
(ii) Official Transport & Car Allowance
| Benefit | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Reimbursement (one-time per term) | 7,550,000 |
| Car Maintenance Allowance (monthly) | 356,525 |
- MPs receive a motor vehicle reimbursement of KES 7.55 million to purchase a car for official duties.
- The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) manages this reimbursement.
(iii) Mileage Reimbursement
MPs claim mileage for one return journey per week from Parliament (Nairobi) to their constituency.
| Zone | Distance (Km) from Nairobi | Maximum Weekly Return Journey (Km) | Reimbursement Rate (KES/Km) | Max Monthly Claim (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-350 km | 700 km | 152.6 | 462,887 |
| Zone 2 | 351+ km | Based on actual distance | 152.6 | Based on actual distance |
Notes:
- The maximum monthly claim = (weekly return distance x 52 weeks x rate) / 12 months.
- The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) ensures MPs are reimbursed for their actual constituency distance.
(iv) Special Parliamentary Duty Allowance
MPs holding additional parliamentary leadership roles receive a Special Duty Allowance of up to KES 150,000 per month.
- The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) determines the allocation based on seniority and role.
(v) Medical Cover
MPs, their spouse, and up to five children (under 25 years) are covered under an annual medical scheme:
| Medical Benefit | Coverage (KES) |
|---|---|
| Inpatient Cover | 10,000,000 |
| Outpatient Cover | 300,000 |
| Maternity Cover | 150,000 |
| Dental Cover | 100,000 |
| Optical Cover | 100,000 |
(vi) Retirement Benefits
MPs qualify for pension or gratuity, as reviewed and set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
(vii) Life & Personal Accident Insurance
- Group Life Insurance: 3x annual pensionable salary.
- Group Personal Accident Cover: 3x annual pensionable salary.
(viii) Car Loan & Mortgage Benefits
MPs can access loans for car and housing at 3% interest per annum, payable within their term:
| Loan Type | Maximum Loan (KES) |
|---|---|
| Car Loan | 8,000,000 |
| Mortgage | 35,000,000 |
- Managed by the PSC and subject to availability of funds.
(ix) Airtime & Security
- Airtime Allowance: KES 15,000 per month.
- Security: Provided as per police recommendations.
3. Abolished Benefits & Allowances
The SRC has abolished:
- Car Grant for Transport Facilitation.
- Sitting Allowance for Plenary Sessions.
4. Summary
MPs in Kenya earn competitive salaries with significant benefits, including:
- Gross Salary: KES 725,502 – 800,019 per month
- Committee Sitting Allowances
- Motor Vehicle Reimbursement: KES 7.55 million
- Car Maintenance Allowance: KES 356,525 per month
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Special Duty Allowance: Up to KES 150,000 per month
- Medical Cover: Inpatient (KES 10M), Outpatient (KES 300K), Maternity (KES 150K)
- Pension & Retirement Benefits
- Life & Personal Accident Cover
- Car Loan (KES 8M) & Mortgage (KES 35M)
- Airtime (KES 15,000 per month)
- Security (as per police recommendations)
The SRC has frozen salary increments for the 2024/2025 financial year, meaning MP salaries and benefits remain the same as in 2023/2024.
Final Thought
These salaries and benefits are meant to enable MPs to serve their constituencies effectively, though they have often been a topic of public debate regarding their affordability and necessity.
