While ordinary Kenyans grapple with the rising cost of living, their county governors are sitting pretty on a compensation package that rivals corporate CEOs. A deep dive into the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) data reveals a life of taxpayer-funded opulence for the 47 county chiefs.

The gross monthly salary for a governor in the 2024/2025 financial year stands at a staggering KSh 990,000. But the basic pay is just the tip of the iceberg. It is the web of allowances and benefits that truly insulates these leaders from the economic realities of the people they serve. This revelation comes at a time when counties are constantly crying out for funds to pay doctors and buy medicine.

Anatomy of a Paycheck

The breakdown of the governor’s millions is a lesson in bureaucratic excess. The basic salary is set at KSh 594,000, but it is padded with a KSh 200,000 house allowance—enough to rent a mansion in Nairobi’s most exclusive suburbs. On top of this, they receive a "Salary Market Adjustment" of KSh 196,000, a nebulous top-up meant to keep their pay competitive with the private sector.

But the perks extend far beyond cash. Each governor is entitled to a palatial official residence and a fleet of vehicles with engine capacities up to 3000cc, fully fueled and maintained by the public. Their medical cover is equally lavish: KSh 10 million for inpatient care and KSh 300,000 for outpatient visits, ensuring they never have to step foot in the under-resourced county hospitals they manage.

• The Deputy’s Share: The Deputy Governors are not left out, earning a gross package of approximately KSh 684,000, ensuring the second-in-command is also comfortably cushioned.
• The Airtime Scandal: Perhaps the most jarring perk is the airtime allowance, which can run up to KSh 20,000 monthly—an amount that exceeds the total monthly earnings of a minimum wage worker.
• Retirement Gold: Even after leaving office, the gravy train continues with a gratuity calculated at 31% of their annual pensionable pay, guaranteeing a golden parachute worth millions.

The Cost of Devolution

These figures raise uncomfortable questions about the sustainability of Kenya’s devolved system. With a wage bill that swallows a massive chunk of county revenue, development projects are often left fighting for scraps. The lifestyle of a governor has become a symbol of the inequality that plagues the nation.

As the electorate demands accountability, these numbers serve as a stark reminder: public service in Kenya is not a sacrifice; it is one of the most lucrative careers in the land.