Prof Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s third Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution on November 1, 2024, after the Senate voted to remove his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua from office.
As the country’s second-in-command, Kindiki became the principal assistant to President William Ruto, assuming the constitutional duty of deputizing the Head of State and undertaking any responsibilities assigned by the President.
He also heads the Office of the Deputy President, which comprises the Executive Office of the Deputy President, the State Department for Cabinet Affairs and the State Department for Devolution.
The State Department for Cabinet Affairs, established through Executive Order No. 1 of January 2023, is responsible for coordinating Cabinet committees, overseeing the implementation of Cabinet decisions and Presidential directives, and strengthening coordination across ministries and State departments.
Functions of the Office of the Deputy President
Soon after assuming office in 2022, President Ruto unveiled an expanded role for the Deputy President, saying the office would play a central role in coordinating government operations.
Under the new arrangement, the Deputy President chairs Cabinet committees, oversees the implementation of Cabinet decisions and Presidential directives across ministries and State departments.
He also coordinates relations between the National Government and county governments, and chairs the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).
The Deputy President further serves as the liaison between the National Government and constitutional commissions and independent offices on matters requiring government intervention, including budgets, policy formulation and implementation of recommendations.
The office is further tasked with coordinating development partners’ funded programmes and projects, overseeing public sector reforms and carrying out any other functions assigned by the President.
Constitutional Duties of DP Kithure Kindiki
Besides the expanded responsibilities announced by President Ruto, the Constitution outlines the Deputy President’s duties under Article 147.
Article 147 of the Constitution provides that the Deputy President is the President’s principal assistant and deputizes the President in the execution of presidential functions.
The Constitution also requires the Deputy President to perform any functions assigned by the President and to act as President whenever the President is absent, temporarily incapacitated, or directs that authority be exercised by the Deputy President.
The office holder is also barred from holding any other State or public office while serving as Deputy President.
Kindiki’s Salary
The salary and benefits of the Deputy President are determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) under Article 230(4)(a) of the Constitution.
Kindiki’s current pay is based on the SRC Gazette Notice issued on August 9, 2023, which set remuneration and benefits for State officers for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years under the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (2021/2022–2024/2025).
SRC has not published a new remuneration package for the office since then.
Under that remuneration structure, the Deputy President earns a gross monthly salary of KSh1,227,188, comprising a basic salary of KSh736,31, house allowance: KSh300,000, and salary market adjustment of KSh190,875
In addition to the monthly salary, the Deputy President is entitled to an official commuter allowance as provided under SRC guidelines.
Also Read: Exposed: Kindiki Splashing More Millions on Touring Kenya Than Ruto
Benefits Enjoyed by the Deputy President
In addition to the monthly salary, the Deputy President enjoys several benefits provided by the government.
The office holder is provided with an official government residence complete with home utilities and attendants.
The benefit cannot be converted into cash.
DP Kindiki is provided with official transport in accordance with the existing government transport policy.
Medical Cover
He also receives comprehensive medical insurance covering one spouse and up to four dependent children below the age of 25 years.
The package includes:
* Inpatient medical cover of KSh10 million
* Outpatient cover of KSh300,000
* Maternity cover of KSh150,000
* Dental cover of KSh75,000
* Optical cover of KSh75,000
The office holder is entitled to a group life insurance equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emolument and a group personal accident insurance equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emoluments together with other benefits under the scheme.
The Deputy President qualifies for a government-backed car loan of up to KSh10 million and a mortgage of up to KSh40 million.
Both facilities attract an interest rate of 3 per cent per annum.
The mortgage is repayable over a maximum period of 20 years, while the car loan is repayable within five years.
The National Treasury administers both facilities in accordance with existing regulations and subject to the availability of funds.
Other Allowances
The Deputy President is also entitled to:
* Daily subsistence allowance during local and foreign travel.
* Airtime allowance of up to KSh20,000 per month.
* Annual leave allowance of KSh50,000.
* Government-provided security based on the advice of the Inspector-General of Police.
Retirement Benefits
Upon leaving office, a former Deputy President is entitled to retirement benefits under the Retirement Benefits for Deputy President and Designated State Officers Act.
The benefits include:
* A monthly pension equivalent to 80 per cent of the last monthly pensionable salary.
* A lump-sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary for every term served.
* Two government-maintained saloon vehicles, each replaceable every four years.
* One four-wheel-drive vehicle, also replaceable every four years.
* A fuel allowance equivalent to 15 per cent of the current monthly salary.
* Comprehensive medical cover for the retired Deputy President, spouse and eligible children, including overseas treatment where necessary.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
