President William Ruto's Executive arm of the government is arguably one of the most expensive since Kenya attained self-rule.
While delivering his speech at State House Nairobi on Thursday, March 23, after the swearing-in of 50 Cabinet Administrative Secretaries, the Head of State declared that the formation of his government was complete.
However, more questions were focused on the salaries and expenses of maintaining such an expensive Executive, rather than Ruto finally formulating the government.
Previously asked why Ruto exerted more pressure on the national wage bill by appointing 50 CASs who will cost taxpayers Ksh460 million yearly in gross salaries, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noted that the new appointees will enhance economic growth.
"Ministries have cross-cutting issues that need to be addressed. We bring in new energy to revitalise existing capacity and strength," Gachagua noted.
However, away from the excitement of new appointments, President Ruto's new Cabinet will cost taxpayers Ksh103,795,526 monthly in gross salaries.
In calculation, President William Ruto, who earns a gross salary of Ksh1,443,750, will receive a total of Ksh17,325,000 in one year.
While his deputy Rigathi Gachagua who earns Ksh1,227,188, shall have received Ksh14,726,000 in one year, and Ksh73,631,000 in the next five years.
A Cabinet Secretary's gross salary is Ksh924,000 per month, and the wage bill for the twenty-two comes to Ksh21,252,000 per month or Ksh255,024,000 in one year.
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Secretary to the Cabinet earn gross salaries of Ksh924,000 per month.
Chief Administrative Secretaries' gross salary is Ksh780,000 monthly, while the 50CAS will earn Ksh39 million monthly.
“A State officer, serving or appointed on permanent and pensionable terms, shall be eligible to a pension benefit in line with existing laws.
"A State officer, serving or appointed for a fixed term of office, shall be paid a service gratuity at the rate of 31 per cent of the annual pensionable emoluments for the term served,” Salaries and Remuneration Commission Lyn Mengich noted.
Principal Secretaries earn a gross salary of Ksh765,000 per month, while 51 will carry home Ksh39,025,000 monthly.
Putting together the gross salaries for President, his deputy, Attorney General, Cabinet to the Secretary, Attorney General, Cabinet Administrative Secretaries and the Principal Secretaries will earn Ksh103,796, 000 per month.
The discussion around the wage bill continues even as SRC plans to increase allowances for public servants.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 14, SRC proposed that the allowances paid to civil servants should not exceed 40 per cent of the gross pay.
In particular, the commission sought to increase travel allowances for public servants for official duties and functions outside of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru.
When implemented, the new changes will see public servants' travel allowance increase between Ksh1,200 and Ksh8,000 for government officials going on assignments in towns outsides.
