Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) in Kenya play a critical role in local governance. They are responsible for legislation at the county level, oversight of county executive activities, and representing their constituents’ interests. As public officers, MCAs receive a structured salary and benefits package that is publicly regulated. Understanding the salary and allowances of an MCA helps citizens, prospective candidates, and other stakeholders appreciate the cost of governance at the county level.
How Much MCAs Earn
As of 2025, MCAs’ pay is regulated under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Their compensation is structured to reflect the responsibilities of the office and varies depending on the position within the County Assembly.
- Base monthly salary for ordinary MCAs: KES 148,000 to KES 163,000
- Additional allowances: Some MCAs receive extra allowances based on roles such as committee chairs, speaker or deputy speaker, and leadership positions within the assembly.
The base salary is taxable and forms the foundation of the MCA’s total remuneration.
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to the base salary, MCAs receive several allowances and benefits designed to support their duties and cover operational costs. These include:
- House allowance: Provided for accommodation in the county or where the MCA maintains a residence for official work.
- Transport allowance: Covers travel within the constituency and for county-related activities.
- Committee leadership allowance: MCAs serving as committee chairs or in leadership positions receive additional stipends.
- Other operational allowances: For constituency work, engagements with constituents, or official events.
Combined with the base salary, these allowances increase the overall monthly take-home pay for MCAs.
Variation by Position
Not all MCAs earn the same amount. Salary adjustments are applied based on the position held within the county assembly:
- Speaker of the County Assembly: Receives the highest remuneration in the assembly, often exceeding KES 400,000 per month including allowances.
- Deputy Speaker: Earns slightly less than the speaker, generally around KES 300,000 per month including allowances.
- Committee Chairs: Receive extra stipends in addition to the base salary, typically ranging from KES 20,000 to KES 50,000 depending on the committee’s importance and workload.
- Ordinary MCAs: Base salary of KES 148,000 to KES 163,000 plus applicable allowances.
This structure is designed to reward additional responsibilities and leadership roles within the county assembly.
Other Considerations
MCAs also receive benefits such as medical coverage, access to official vehicles in some counties, and pensions contributions as part of the public service scheme.
It is important for prospective MCAs and citizens to note that:
- Salaries and allowances are publicly funded and regulated to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Compensation may vary slightly from county to county due to approved local adjustments or role-specific allowances.
- MCAs’ remuneration is reviewed periodically by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to reflect changes in cost of living and fiscal considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Ordinary MCAs earn a base salary of approximately KES 148,000 to KES 163,000 per month.
- Allowances for housing, transport, committee leadership, and constituency duties increase total monthly pay.
- The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and committee chairs receive higher remuneration reflecting their additional responsibilities.
- Benefits include medical cover, pensions, and other support to enable effective service delivery.
- The SRC periodically reviews salaries to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with the national budget.
