President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the 19 Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Speaking during the event, Ruto said the broad-based government will unlock the potential of the country that has been hindered by factional and sectarian competition.
“Our potential as a nation and the attainment of that potential have often been undermined by divisions arising from political competition,” Ruto said.
Ruto urged the CSs to prioritize the interest of Kenyans and build a strong ‘team of rivals’ that will enhance inclusivity in national development and give the transformation agenda the best chance of success.
The President pledged to support the CSs in discharging their mandates, urging them to embrace accountability and fight corruption.
According to the Constitution, the Cabinet should consist of the President, the Deputy President, the Attorney-General and between 14 and 22 Cabinet Secretaries.
The 19 CSs will begin enjoying the benefits assigned to their dockets including a cumulative monthly salary of Ksh.924,000.
According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), a CS is eligible for a basic salary of Ksh554,400, a house allowance of Ksh.200,000, and a market adjustment of Ksh.169,600, for a total gross salary of Ksh.924,000.
Allowances & Other Entitlements
Other benefits include an official state car with a maximum engine capacity of 3,000cc.
The CSs are also entitled to medical benefits which include annual medical cover that will cater for one spouse and a maximum of four children under the age of 25.
The medical benefits include an inpatient cover of Ksh10 million, outpatient Ksh300,000, maternity Ksh150,000, dental Ksh75,000, and optical Ksh75,000.
Besides, CSs are entitled to a Ksh10 million Car loan and a Ksh40 million mortgage.
The CSs also enjoy a monthly airtime allowance of up to Ksh20,000 and a daily subsistence allowance for domestic and international travel allowances. This is paid to State officers in accordance with the rates reviewed and set by SRC from time to time.
The Inspector General of Police also provides adequate security arrangements to CSs from potential threats, allowing them to perform their duties without risks.
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SRC Proposal to Increase Cabinet Secretaries Salaries
In August 2023, the SRC proposed to increase the monthly earnings of state officers including the CSs whose salaries were pushed to Ksh990,000.
However, in July 2024, President Ruto asked the National Treasury to review SRC’s proposal after the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
Ruto announced austerity measures affecting all three arms of government, arguing that the country must live within its means.
“The President has directed the National Treasury to review the Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regarding the remuneration & benefits for State officers. In light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the fiscal constraints expected this financial year,” read a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed.
“The President says this is a time, more than ever before, for the Executive and, indeed, all arms of government to live within their means,” he added.
Also Read: Ruto’s Full Speech During Swearing-in of CSs at State House
State Officers Salary Increment
SRC had proposed to increase salaries and benefits for State officers in the Executive of the National Government, the Senate the National Assembly, county governments and independent commissions increased.
Salaries for Members of the National Assembly and the Senate went up by Ksh14,000 from Ksh739,600 to Ksh725,502.
The Principal Secretaries, Inspector General and Director General NIS were to enjoy a pay rise from Ksh792,519 shillings to Ksh819,844 a month.
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