On Friday, May 31, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura outlined the retirement benefits provided to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, during a press briefing in Nairobi.
Mwaura disclosed that the government paid Uhuru a lump sum of Ksh48 million. This amount was based on the salary he earned during his two terms as President. Additionally, Uhuru receives a monthly allowance of Ksh1 million for entertainment, housing, and fuel. He also gets a monthly pension of Ksh1.6 million, making his total monthly income Ksh2.6 million. All these payments are tax-exempt.
For medical expenses, Uhuru has a Ksh20 million medical cover that covers treatment both in Kenya and abroad.
The government also provides transportation for Uhuru and Mama Ngina, including 12 vehicles. These include 2 Toyota Land Cruisers (4,000 CC), which exceed the 3,000 CC limit set by the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2003. Other vehicles are a Mercedes Benz (5,000 CC), 4 Toyota Prados (2,700 CC), 2 Range Rovers (4,200 CC), and a Subaru. The government supplies fuel through seven fuel cards, maintains the vehicles, and replaces them every three years.
Addressing concerns about large delegations accompanying the former president on international trips, Mwaura stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended a smaller delegation of 10 staff. This delegation includes one private secretary, one Aide de Camp, one doctor, one advisor, one protocol officer, one hospitality officer, two security officers, and two media/press personnel. This recommendation was approved by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and implemented by the State House comptroller as part of government austerity measures.
Uhuru also has 33 staff members at his office near State House. Mwaura confirmed that these staff members are well-compensated, with some holding positions equivalent to Principal Secretary levels. The staff includes:
- 2 private secretaries
- 3 principal assistant hospitality officers
- 2 senior assistant hospitality officers
- 2 drivers
- 3 public communication assistants
- 2 assistant superintendent gardeners
- 1 head housekeeper
- 1 head waiter
- 3 assistant hospitality officers
- 2 doctors
- 1 deputy director of programs
- 1 director of hospitality
- 2 photographers
- 2 paramedics
- 1 principal programs officer
- 1 principal finance officer
- 1 editor
- 1 social media manager
- 1 director
These provisions ensure that the former President and his mother are well-supported in their retirement.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/101218-govt-breaks-down-millions-cars-given-uhuru-mama-ngina