How taxpayer will pay the salaries of Ruto’s new PSs

By Newsflash Reporter

The recent restructuring of government by President William Ruto has led to the addition of seven new Principal Secretaries (PSs), pushing the total number from 50 to 57.

While this move aims to accommodate political interests, particularly following the handshake between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, it also places a greater financial burden on taxpayers by escalating the already bloated wage bill.

Rising salary costs for Principal Secretaries

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), each PS earns a monthly salary of Sh792,519, which consists of:

Basic salary – Sh475,511
House allowance – Sh150,000
Salary market adjustment – Sh167,008

With the increase to 57 PSs, the government will now spend Sh45.2 million per month on their salaries, translating to Sh542.1 million annually and Sh2.71 billion over five years.

Previously, the cost for 50 PSs stood at Sh39.63 million per month, amounting to Sh475.5 million per year and Sh2.4 billion over five years. The addition of seven more PSs results in an extra burden of Sh5.6 million per month, Sh66.6 million per year, and Sh332.9 million over five years.

Overall wage bill strain

Kenya’s public wage bill has been escalating and now surpasses Sh1.1 trillion annually, as reported by the Ministry of Public Service. The salaries of the new PSs further contribute to this growing financial strain on public resources.

Additional allowances and benefits

Apart from their salaries, some PSs receive additional perks. The SRC has approved a special responsibility allowance of Sh100,000 per month for PSs heading the Interior, National Treasury, and Foreign Affairs ministries, compensating them for their expanded roles.

Principal Secretaries, like other State officers, are entitled to various benefits, including:

Official car (engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc) – fuel and maintenance covered by the taxpayer.
Medical cover (for the PS, one spouse, and up to four children below 25 years), covering:
- Inpatient – Sh10 million
- Outpatient – Sh300,000
- Maternity – Sh150,000
- Dental – Sh75,000
- Optical – Sh75,000

Retirement benefits

Upon leaving office, Principal Secretaries have two options for retirement benefits: pension or gratuity. Those appointed for a fixed term qualify for a service gratuity of 31% of their annual pensionable emoluments for the duration served.

Outlook

While the government’s restructuring seeks to align political interests, the addition of seven more Principal Secretaries significantly increases the financial burden on taxpayers. With Kenya’s public wage bill already exceeding Sh1.1 trillion annually, the rising costs of salaries, allowances, and benefits for government officials remain a major concern