The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is responsible for reviewing and determining the salary and benefits of County Governors in Kenya. Article 230(4)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya mandates SRC to regulate the remuneration of 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 framework for the current salary and benefits of County Governors.
Salary Structure for County Governors
The gross monthly salary for County Governors in FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 is structured as follows:
| Financial Year | Gross Monthly Salary (KES) | Basic Salary (KES) | House Allowance (KES) | Salary Market Adjustment (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 | 957,000 | 574,200 | 200,000 | 182,800 |
| 2024/2025 | 990,000 | 594,000 | 200,000 | 196,000 |
Salary Market Adjustment ensures that the salary remains competitive with similar positions in the public and private sectors.
Additional Benefits for County Governors
1. Official Transport
- Entitled to an official car with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc.
2. Medical Cover
The County Governor, their spouse, and up to four children (below 25 years, fully dependent) receive the following annual medical benefits:
- Inpatient Cover: KES 10 million
- Outpatient Cover: KES 300,000
- Maternity Cover: KES 150,000
- Dental Cover: KES 75,000
- Optical Cover: KES 75,000
3. Retirement Benefits
There are two retirement benefit options:
- Service Gratuity – A lump sum equal to 31% of the annual pensionable income for the period served.
- Pension Scheme – If a pension scheme is in place, SRC determines employer contributions and other financial benefits.
Note: A County Governor cannot receive both pension and gratuity for the same period of service.
4. Insurance Coverage
- Group Life Insurance: Coverage equal to three times the annual pensionable salary.
- Group Personal Accident Cover: Coverage equal to three times the annual pensionable salary.
5. Car Loan and Mortgage Benefits
- Car Loan: Up to KES 10 million
- Mortgage: Up to KES 40 million
- Interest Rate: 3% per annum
- Loan Duration:
- Mortgage: Maximum of 20 years
- Car Loan: Maximum of 5 years
- Administration: Managed by the County Treasury based on available funds.
6. Travel and Subsistence Allowances
- Daily subsistence allowances for local and foreign travel as per rates periodically reviewed by SRC.
7. Airtime Allowance
- KES 20,000 per month for official communication.
8. Official Residence
- The county government shall provide an official residence, complete with home amenities and staff.
- This benefit cannot be converted to cash.
9. Security
- Security is provided based on the advice of the Inspector-General of Police.
- Cannot be converted into cash.
10. Annual Leave Allowance
- KES 50,000 per annum.
- Leave days cannot be converted into cash.
Exclusions
- Any remuneration or benefits not explicitly listed above are not payable unless officially reviewed and approved by SRC.
This salary and benefits structure remains in effect until the next SRC review.
