The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) determines and reviews the salaries and benefits of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Kenya. According to Article 230(4)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, the SRC is responsible for setting remuneration for state officers at both the national and county levels.
The Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (covering financial years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025) provides the current salary structure for MCAs.
MCA Salary Structure in Kenya
The salary of an MCA depends on their role, with different pay scales for regular MCAs and those serving as Leaders of the Majority or Minority Party.
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 |
Leader of the Majority/Minority Salary
| 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 |
Other MCA Benefits
Committee Sitting Allowance
MCAs serving in committees are eligible for the following sitting allowances:
- Chairperson: KES 6,500 per sitting (max KES 104,000/month)
- Vice-Chairperson: KES 5,200 per sitting (max KES 83,200/month)
- Member: KES 3,900 per sitting (max KES 62,400/month)
Official Transport and Car Benefits
- Motor Vehicle Reimbursement: KES 2,212,000 for purchasing a car (engine capacity ≤ 1800cc), payable once per term.
- Car Maintenance Allowance: KES 30,167 per month.
- Mileage Reimbursement: MCAs are reimbursed for weekly return travel between their ward and county office at a rate of KES 77.35 per km, with a maximum monthly claim based on distance.
| Zone | One Way Distance (Km) | Max Return Journey (Km) | Monthly Max Claim (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-45 | 90 | 30,167 |
| 2 | 46-80 | 160 | 53,629 |
| 3 | 81-115 | 230 | 77,092 |
| 4 | 116-150 | 300 | 100,555 |
| 5 | 151-185 | 370 | 124,018 |
| 6 | 186+ | 440 | 147,481 |
Special Duty Allowance
MCAs holding specific leadership roles receive additional allowances:
- Chief Whip: KES 29,000
- Deputy Leader of Majority/Minority: KES 29,000
- Member of Speaker’s Panel: KES 27,000
- Committee Chairperson: KES 26,000
- Deputy Chief Whip/Other Whips: KES 26,000
- Committee Vice-Chairperson: KES 23,000
Medical Benefits
MCAs and their families (one spouse and up to four dependent children under 25 years) receive:
- Inpatient Cover: KES 3 million
- Outpatient Cover: KES 200,000
- Maternity Cover: KES 100,000
- Dental Cover: KES 50,000
- Optical Cover: KES 50,000
Retirement Benefits
MCAs can opt for:
- Gratuity – A lump sum payment equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable salary for the term served.
- Pension Scheme – If a pension scheme is established, SRC will set contribution rates.
Note: MCAs cannot receive both gratuity and pension for the same period.
Insurance Benefits
- Group Life Insurance: Coverage equal to three times the annual pensionable salary.
- Personal Accident Cover: Equal to three times the annual pensionable salary.
Car Loan & Mortgage Benefits
MCAs are eligible for loans:
- Car Loan: Up to KES 2 million
- Mortgage: Up to KES 3 million
- Interest Rate: 3% per annum
- Repayment: Loan to be repaid within the term of office.
Other Allowances
- Daily Travel Allowance: Set by SRC for local and foreign travel.
- Airtime Allowance: Up to KES 5,000 per month.
- Security: Provided based on police recommendations.
Abolished Benefits
The following benefits have been eliminated by SRC:
- Car Grant for Transport Facilitation
- Sitting Allowance for Plenary Sessions
- Any other remuneration not explicitly approved by SRC
This salary and benefits structure is subject to periodic review by SRC.
