The Government of Kenya, through the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), usually revises how much state officers in Kenya earn in every financial year. This requirement is guided by Article 230 (4) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. State officers in Kenya are all the leaders elected to join the government after 5 years. These include the president, members of Parliament and even the members of the County assemblies. However, this article focuses more on how much an MCA earns in Kenya monthly.
The 2010 Constitution created devolved governments and new leadership roles, such as the position of county assembly member. An MCA represents the members of an electoral unit called a ward in the county assemblies. They are responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch of the county government.
MCA Salary Structure in Kenya
The salary of an MCA in Kenya varies from year to year. Under the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle covering Financial Years 2024/25, an MCA’s basic salary is Ksh. 98,753, up from Ksh 92,689 in the 2023/24 Financial year.
In addition to their basic salary, they also receive various allowances that contribute significantly to their Gross pay. As per SRC, these include a House allowance of Ksh 50,000, a commuter allowance (Marked as official), and a Salary market adjustment allowance of Ksh 15,835.
So, after all these allowances are considered, the total salary of a member of the county assembly in Kenya is Ksh 164,588.
Below is a table breakdown to help you understand MCA salaries:
| Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 98,753 |
| Housing Allowance | 50,000 |
| Commuter Allowance | Official |
| Salary Market Adjustment | 15,835 |
| Total Gross Pay | 164,588 |
Do all MCAs in Kenya earn the same salaries?
Some MCAs in the county assemblies have more roles than others. Therefore, not all MCAs earn the Same salaries. Those in leadership positions tend to earn more than those without any Positions. For example, MCAs who are leaders of Minority and Majority parties in the county assemblies will earn up to Ksh 204,717, while an MCA who deputises the Speaker of the county assembly earns up to Ksh 247,943
Below is a table summary to help you understand:
| State Officer | Basic Salary (KES) | House Allowance (KES) | Commuter Allowance | Salary Market Adjustment (KES) | Gross Salary (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Speaker of the County Assembly | 148,766 | 60,000 | Official | 39,177 | 247,943 |
| Leader of the Majority/Minority Party | 122,830 | 50,000 | Official | 31,887 | 204,717 |
Benefits that MCAs Receive
When considering an MCA’s overall compensation, looking beyond their salary and allowances is essential. MCAs in Kenya also receive various benefits and perks, contributing to their overall salary structure. These benefits include:
| Benefit | Amount/Value |
|---|---|
| Committee Sitting Allowance | Chairperson: Ksh. 6,500 per sitting (Max: Ksh. 104,000/month) |
| Vice-Chairperson: Ksh. 5,200 per sitting (Max: Ksh. 83,200/month) | |
| Member: Ksh. 3,900 per sitting (Max: Ksh. 62,400/month) | |
| Motor Vehicle Reimbursement | Ksh. 2,212,000 (one-time) |
| Car Maintenance Allowance | Ksh. 30,167 per month |
| Mileage Reimbursement | Ksh. 77.35 per kilometre (capped between Ksh. 30,167 to Ksh. 147,481/month) |
| Special Duty Allowance | Chief Whip: Ksh. 29,000/month |
| Vice-Chairperson of Committees: Ksh. 23,000/month | |
| Medical Cover | Inpatient: Ksh. 3 million, Outpatient: Ksh. 200,000, Maternity: Ksh. 100,000 |
| Dental: Ksh. 50,000, Optical: Ksh. 50,000 | |
| Car Loan | Up to Ksh. 2 million (3% interest) |
| Mortgage Benefit | Up to Ksh. 3 million (3% interest) |
| Airtime Allowance | Up to Ksh. 5,000 per month |
Conclusion
And there you have it. I hope this guide has helped you understand how much an MCA earns in Kenya. Normally, MCAs without leadership Positions in the county assemblies will earn up to KES 164,588, while those with higher leadership roles in the county assemblies, such as the Deputy Speaker, earn up to KES 247,943. But it does not stop here. Still, there are other benefits, such as sitting allowances and Mortgage car loans, that they sign for their salaries to skyrocket.
