The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is responsible for reviewing and setting the salaries and benefits for state officers at both national and county levels as per Article 230 (4) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
The Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (2021/2022 to 2024/2025) outlines the current salary and benefits for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
1. Salary of a Member of County Assembly (MCA)
The salary of an MCA depends on whether they are a regular MCA or hold a leadership position such as the Leader of the Majority or Minority Party.
(i) Regular MCA Salary
| Financial Year | Gross Monthly Salary (KES) | Basic Salary (KES) | House Allowance (KES) | Salary Market Adjustment (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 | 154,481 | 92,689 | 50,000 | 11,792 |
| 2024/2025 | 164,588 | 98,753 | 50,000 | 15,835 |
(ii) Salary of the Leader of the Majority or Minority Party
| Financial Year | Gross Monthly Salary (KES) | Basic Salary (KES) | House Allowance (KES) | Salary Market Adjustment (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 | 191,324 | 114,794 | 50,000 | 26,530 |
| 2024/2025 | 204,717 | 122,830 | 50,000 | 31,887 |
What is Salary Market Adjustment?
This is a salary modification that considers the market positioning of an MCA’s salary, ensuring it matches the market average for similar roles.
2. Additional Benefits for MCAs
Apart from their salaries, MCAs enjoy additional benefits as outlined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
(i) Committee Sitting Allowance
MCAs who serve on committees are entitled to sitting allowances:
| Position | Allowance per Sitting (KES) | Monthly Maximum (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | 6,500 | 104,000 |
| Vice-Chairperson | 5,200 | 83,200 |
| Member | 3,900 | 62,400 |
(ii) Official Transport Allowance
- Motor Vehicle Reimbursement: MCAs receive KES 2,212,000 to buy a car (max engine capacity: 1800cc) for official duties.
- This reimbursement is payable once per county assembly term.
- Car Maintenance Allowance: KES 30,167 per month.
(iii) Mileage Reimbursement
MCAs receive a mileage allowance for official travel to their wards, calculated per return journey (one per week):
| Zone | One-Way Distance (Km) | Return Distance (Km) | Rate per Km (KES) | Max Monthly Reimbursement (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-45 | 90 | 77.35 | 30,167 |
| 2 | 46-80 | 160 | 77.35 | 53,629 |
| 3 | 81-115 | 230 | 77.35 | 77,092 |
| 4 | 116-150 | 300 | 77.35 | 100,555 |
| 5 | 151-185 | 370 | 77.35 | 124,018 |
| 6 | 186 and above | 440 | 77.35 | 147,481 |
Notes:
- Reimbursement is based on weekly return journeys.
- The County Assembly Service Board ensures MCAs do not exceed the maximum claimable mileage.
(iv) Special County Assembly Duty Allowance
Some MCAs receive extra allowances for added responsibilities:
| Position | Monthly Allowance (KES) |
|---|---|
| Chief Whip | 29,000 |
| Deputy Leader of Majority | 29,000 |
| Deputy Leader of Minority | 29,000 |
| Member of Speaker’s Panel | 27,000 |
| Chairperson of Committee | 26,000 |
| Deputy Chief Whip | 26,000 |
| Other Whips | 26,000 |
| Vice-Chairperson of Committees | 23,000 |
(v) Medical Cover
MCAs, their spouses, and up to four children (below 25 years) are entitled to annual medical benefits:
| Medical Benefit | Coverage (KES) |
|---|---|
| Inpatient Cover | 3,000,000 |
| Outpatient Cover | 200,000 |
| Maternity Cover | 100,000 |
| Dental Cover | 50,000 |
| Optical Cover | 50,000 |
(vi) Retirement Benefits
MCAs can choose between pension or gratuity:
- Gratuity: Paid at 31% of annual pensionable salary for the term served.
- Pension Scheme: If a pension scheme is established, SRC will set employer contribution rates.
Note:
An MCA cannot receive both pension and gratuity for the same term.
(vii) Group Life Insurance & Personal Accident Cover
- Group Life Insurance: 3 times annual salary.
- Personal Accident Cover: 3 times annual salary.
(viii) Car Loan & Mortgage
MCAs can access car loans and mortgages at 3% interest per annum:
| Loan Type | Maximum Loan Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Car Loan | 2,000,000 |
| Mortgage | 3,000,000 |
Notes:
- Loans are recoverable within the MCA’s term.
- Managed by the County Assembly Service Board.
(ix) Airtime & Security
- Airtime Allowance: KES 5,000 per month.
- Security: Provided as per police recommendations.
3. Abolished Benefits & Allowances
The SRC has abolished the following benefits:
- Car Grant for Transport Facilitation.
- Sitting Allowance for Plenary Sessions.
4. Conclusion
MCAs in Kenya receive a competitive salary package along with various allowances and benefits, including:
- Monthly salary (KES 154,481 – KES 204,717)
- Committee Sitting Allowances
- Transport & Mileage Reimbursement
- Special Duty Allowances
- Medical Insurance Cover
- Retirement Benefits (Gratuity/Pension)
- Group Life & Personal Accident Cover
- Car Loan & Mortgage
- Airtime & Security
These benefits enhance MCAs’ service delivery while ensuring they operate effectively within their respective county assemblies.
