Sh23,000 vs Sh113,000: Inside the counties where MCAs cash in big

A new report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o reveals that while some MCAs receive as little as Sh23,000, others receive as much as Sh113,000 in sitting allowance per month.

For instance, an MCA in Bomet earns Sh90,000 more in sitting allowance per month than the one in Kitui.

Nyakang’o released the county governments’ budget implementation review report covering July to December 2025 on Sunday.

According to the report, MCAs in Bomet are the top earners, with each of the 39 ward representatives taking home an average of Sh113,537 per month in sitting allowances alone.

This is separate from their salaries and other benefits.

Ward representatives across the country currently earn a monthly salary of Sh154,481.

This includes a basic salary of Sh92,689, a house allowance of Sh50,000, a commuter allowance and a salary market adjustment of Sh11,792.

Sitting allowances are capped at Sh124,000 per month per member.

Busia MCAs follow closely, with each of the 54 members earning an average of Sh109,270 monthly in sitting allowances.

Samburu comes third, where 25 ward representatives pocket an average of Sh100,349.

“Expenditure performance on MCAs’ sitting allowances varied significantly across counties, with Bomet, Samburu and Busia registering high utilisation levels,” the report states.

Other counties where MCAs earn relatively high sitting allowances include Marsabit, Tana River, Bungoma, Kisii, Kisumu, West Pokot, Embu and Kirinyaga.

In Marsabit, each of the 33 MCAs earns Sh90,461 a month, while their counterparts in Tana River take home Sh89,762.

Bungoma MCAs receive Sh86,163, those in Kisii earn Sh81,802, and Kisumu MCAs pocket Sh74,684.

West Pokot ward representatives earn Sh73,424, while those in Embu and Kirinyaga take home Sh70,875 and Sh70,165 respectively.

However, the report highlights a stark contrast in other counties, where MCAs earn significantly lower allowances.

Kitui MCAs are the least paid, earning an average of Sh23,754 per month. Migori ward representatives receive Sh29,095, while Nairobi MCAs earn Sh35,282.

In Kajiado, each MCA takes home Sh39,437, Homa Bay MCAs earn Sh36,440, and Kilifi ward representatives receive Sh38,079. Kericho MCAs earn Sh39,045, while Kakamega MCAs pocket Sh41,756.

The findings come amid growing pressure from MCAs across the country for a review of their remuneration, with many pushing for higher pay and improved benefits.

During the six months under review, county assemblies spent a total of Sh772.68 million on sitting allowances against an approved budget of Sh2.07 billion, pointing to significant expenditure on the perks.

Over the years, the more than 2,000 MCAs across the county have been pushing for an upward review of their salaries.

Beyond salary concerns, MCAs are also lobbying for the introduction of a pension scheme similar to that enjoyed by Members of Parliament and senators.

Currently, ward representatives do not have a structured pension plan, even for those who have served multiple terms.

A proposed law, the County Assemblies Pensions Scheme Bill, 2024, is now before the Senate, seeking to address the gap.

The Bill is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.

The proposed legislation requires County Assembly Public Service Boards to contribute 15 per cent of an MCA’s pensionable earnings, while individual ward representatives would contribute 7.5 per cent.

“Every sponsor shall contribute to the scheme not less than 15 per cent of the pensionable emoluments of a member of the scheme, plus the amounts necessary to cover the premiums for the insured benefit,” the Bill states.

It further proposes that employers take out life insurance policies with disability benefits for MCAs, equivalent to at least three times their annual pensionable earnings.

If passed, the scheme will see taxpayers shoulder additional costs, further fuelling debate over the sustainability of public expenditure on elected leaders.