In Kenya’s public service hierarchy, the role of Principal Secretary (PS) is pivotal in shaping and implementing government policies across various ministries. Understanding the remuneration, responsibilities, and benefits associated with this position offers valuable insights into the country’s governance structure.
Overview of Principal Secretary Role
Established under Article 155 of the Kenyan Constitution, a Principal Secretary serves as the administrative head of a state department. Appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly, PSs ensure that their respective departments operate efficiently and align with the government’s strategic objectives.
Detailed Salary Structure
As of the financial year 2024/2025, the remuneration package for a Principal Secretary is structured as follows:
- Basic Salary: KES 491,906
- House Allowance: KES 150,000
- Commuter Allowance: Official (provided by the government)
- Salary Market Adjustment: KES 177,938
- Gross Monthly Salary: KES 819,844
This comprehensive package ensures that PSs are adequately compensated for their critical roles in the government.
Comparative Analysis with Other Government Positions
To contextualize the PS’s salary within the broader government framework:
- President: KES 1,443,750
- Deputy President: KES 1,227,188
- Cabinet Secretary: KES 990,000
- Inspector-General of National Police Service: KES 819,844
Notably, the CAS position, introduced to assist Cabinet Secretaries, had a remuneration slightly lower than that of Principal Secretaries.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Beyond the basic salary, Principal Secretaries enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their roles and personal well-being:
- Official Transport: Provision of a government vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc.
- Medical Coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance covering the PS, their spouse, and up to four dependent children below 25 years:
- Inpatient: KES 10 million
- Outpatient: KES 300,000
- Maternity: KES 150,000
- Dental: KES 75,000
- Optical: KES 75,000
- Retirement Benefits: Options include:
- Service Gratuity: 31% of annual pensionable emoluments for the term served.
- Pension Scheme: Employer contributions as determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
- Insurance Covers:
- Group Life Insurance: Equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emoluments.
- Group Personal Accident: Coverage equal to three times the annual pensionable emoluments.
- Loans and Mortgages:
- Car Loan: Up to KES 8 million
- Mortgage: Up to KES 35 million
- Interest Rate: 3% per annum
- Repayment Period: Up to 20 years for mortgages and 5 years for car loans
- Allowances:
- Daily Subsistence Allowance: For local and international travel as per SRC rates.
- Airtime: Up to KES 20,000 per month.
- Annual Leave Allowance: KES 50,000 per annum.
- Special Responsibility Allowance: An additional KES 100,000 per month for PSs overseeing critical ministries such as Interior, National Treasury, and Foreign Affairs.
- Security: Provision of security personnel as advised by the Inspector-General of Police.
These benefits are structured to ensure that Principal Secretaries can perform their duties effectively while maintaining a balanced work-life environment.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Principal Secretaries hold significant responsibilities, including:
- Accounting Officer: Overseeing financial management and ensuring prudent use of resources.
- Policy Implementation: Translating government policies into actionable programs within their departments.
- Performance Management: Establishing and monitoring performance metrics to achieve departmental goals.
- Inter-Governmental Coordination: Facilitating collaboration between national and county governments.
- Upholding Constitutional Values: Promoting principles outlined in Articles 10 and 232 of the Kenyan Constitution, such as integrity, transparency, and accountability.
These duties underscore the critical role PSs play in the effective functioning of the government.
Eligibility Criteria
To be appointed as a Principal Secretary, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizenship: Must be a Kenyan citizen.
- Educational Background: Hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Professional Experience: At least ten years of relevant experience, with a minimum of five years in a leadership or top management position in either the public or private sector.
