Article 230(4)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya empowers the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to review and set the remuneration and benefits for the Deputy President (DP) and other State Officers.
The SRC conducts periodic reviews of salaries for State Officers, including the Deputy President.
The current salary and benefits for Deputy President are based on the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle, which covers the Financial Years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
In the financial years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, the outgoing DP Rigathi Gachagua receives a gross monthly salary of Ksh 1,227,188.
This amount comprises a basic salary of Ksh 736,313, additional allowances, including a house allowance of Ksh 300,000, an official commuter allowance, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh 190,875.
Benefits Deputy President Receives
The Deputy president is also provided with official transport in line with prevailing government transport policy.
An annual medical cover is provided for the Deputy President included with one spouse and up to four children below the age of twenty-five years fully dependent on the DP.
The DP is entitled to several health benefits, including inpatient medical coverage of Ksh 10 million, outpatient coverage of Ksh 300,000, and maternity coverage of Ksh 150,000.
Additionally, he receives dental coverage of Ksh 75,000 and optical coverage of Ksh 75,000.
At the same time, the DP is entitled to other several benefits, including group life insurance coverage equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emoluments.
Furthermore, he is covered under group personal accident insurance for a value equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emoluments, along with other eligible benefits under the Group Personal Accident cover.
Also Read: Process of Picking a New Deputy President if Gachagua Is Kicked Out
Car Loans and Mortgages
Also, the second in command is eligible for car loans and mortgage benefits. He is entitled to a car loan of up to Ksh.10 million as well as a mortgage of up to Ksh.40 million.
The applicable rate of interest shall be 3 per cent per annum, for the duration of the loan.
The duration of the scheme shall be a maximum of twenty (20) years for Mortgage Schemes and five (5) years for Car Loan.
At the same time, the car loan and mortgage benefits will be administered and managed centrally by the National Treasury, in accordance with existing regulations and subject to the availability of funds.
Other Allowances
The office-bearer also receives a daily subsistence allowance for local and foreign travel, paid according to rates reviewed and set by SRC from time to time.
He is also entitled to a maximum airtime allowance of Ksh 20,000 per month.
Furthermore, Deputy President is provided with an official residence, complete with home utilities and attendants.
This residence is a government-owned building, and the benefit cannot be converted to cash.
Security is provided based on the advice of the Inspector-General of Police and cannot be commuted to cash.
Besides, he receives an annual leave allowance of Ksh 50,000 and leave days cannot be converted to cash.
Also Read: Boost for Gachagua as MPs Take U-Turn in Surprise Move
Retirement Benefits
In addition, the DP is also assigned a retirement benefit package during their lifetime as outlined in the Retirement Benefits for Deputy President and Designated State Officers Act.
Upon retirement, a DP receives a monthly pension amounting to eighty percent of last monthly salary while in office (Ksh 589,050).
On top of that, the office holder is granted a lump sum payment calculated as one year’s salary for each term served.
The benefits extend to the provision of two saloon vehicles, each with an engine capacity not exceeding 2,000 cc, which can be replaced every four years.
Moreover, the person is entitled to one four-wheel drive vehicle, also with a limit of 3,000 cc, and subject to the same replacement terms.
To assist with transportation costs, a fuel allowance equal to fifteen percent of the current monthly salary is provided. Health coverage is also a significant aspect of the retirement package, including full medical and hospital insurance with a reputable provider.
This coverage extends to local and overseas treatment for the retired individual, their spouse, and children under eighteen or under twenty-five if pursuing full-time education.
Incomplete term
However, an entitled person who serves in office for less than a term, shall not be entitled to the benefits set out but shall be entitled to a gratuity paid at the end of the entitled person’s service at the rate of thirty-one per cent of the person’s salary while in office.
He shall have one armed security guards who shall be provided on request by the entitled person and diplomatic passports for the entitled person and his spouse; and access to the VIP lounge at all airports within Kenya.
President William Ruto on October 18 nominated Prof. Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, to succeed Gachagua after the Senate upheld his impeachment.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
