Kenyan judges and magistrates are entitled to salaries, allowances, and retirement benefits under the remuneration structure established by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
According to the SRC remuneration structure, the Chief Justice earns a starting monthly salary of KSh990,000, which rises through annual increments of KSh42,236 to a maximum of KSh1,327,888.
The Deputy Chief Justice receives a starting salary of KSh821,333, while Supreme Court judges start at KSh792,000. Judges of the Court of Appeal earn from KSh689,224, while High Court judges receive a starting monthly salary of KSh657,426.
Among magistrates, the Chief Magistrate earns a starting salary of KSh445,500, followed by Senior Principal Magistrates at KSh334,125 and Principal Magistrates at KSh225,000.
Senior Resident Magistrates receive KSh180,000 at entry level, while Resident Magistrates earn a starting salary of KSh123,750.
Judges and Magistrates Salaries
| State Officer | Starting Salary (KSh) | Annual Increment (KSh) | Maximum Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Justice | 990,000 | 42,236 | 1,327,888 |
| Deputy Chief Justice | 821,333 | 37,473 | 1,233,535 |
| Supreme Court Judge | 792,000 | 35,545 | 1,218,535 |
| Court of Appeal Judge | 689,224 | 30,967 | 1,122,759 |
| High Court Judge | 657,426 | 22,714 | 907,279 |
| Chief Magistrate | 445,500 | 20,475 | 650,253 |
| Senior Principal Magistrate | 334,125 | 16,208 | 480,000 |
| Principal Magistrate | 225,000 | 13,500 | 360,000 |
| Senior Resident Magistrate | 180,000 | 10,000 | 300,000 |
| Resident Magistrate | 123,750 | 6,625 | 190,000 |
Also Read: How Supreme Court Judges Are Selected in Kenya: Full Process and Requirements
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to their salaries, judges and magistrates receive a range of allowances and benefits.
Judges receive a non-practicing allowance of KSh13,500 per month, while magistrates receive KSh10,000 per month.
Judicial officers assigned special responsibilities are also eligible for a Special Judicial Duty Allowance of up to KSh150,000 per month, subject to the SRC’s cap on eligible officers.
The SRC also provides comprehensive medical insurance. Judges are covered for KSh10 million inpatient treatment, KSh300,000 outpatient services, KSh150,000 maternity care, and KSh75,000 each for dental and optical services.
Magistrates receive medical cover of KSh4 million for inpatient treatment, KSh250,000 outpatient care, KSh150,000 maternity cover, and KSh75,000 each for dental and optical services.
Senior judicial officers, including the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and judges, are entitled to official transport, while the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice are also provided with official residences, household utilities and support staff.
Also Read: How Judges Can Be Removed from Office in Kenya Under New Rules
Retirement Benefits
In March 2026, President William Ruto assented to the Judges Retirement Benefits Act, introducing a new retirement framework for members of the Judiciary.
The law established a contributory retirement benefits scheme for judges appointed after its commencement, with judges contributing 7.5 per cent of their basic salary and the government contributing 15 per cent.
It also granted retired judges comprehensive medical cover, diplomatic passports, access to government airport lounges and other post-retirement benefits aimed at safeguarding their welfare, dignity and judicial independence after leaving office.
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