What is the salary of an MCA in Kenya? According to the new salary scales by the SRC,an MCA is required to take home at most Ksh 145,000 in basic salary, but this figure is just a suggestion by the SRC.
Members of County Assembly (MCA) are among the highest paid politicians in Kenya. The salaries of MCAs are even more than what doctors and lawyers earn. Besides the salaries, MCAs also earn benefits and allowances in excess of Ksh 300,000 per month.
Salaries of MCAs,Civil Servants,MPs,Senators,Teachers and other civil servants are determined by the Salaries and Renumeration Commission.According to this commission,an MCA is expected to earn a basic salary of Ksh Sh123,750 but after factoring in mileage allowances, and other allowances, he takes home Ksh 500,000.
In 2013, the basic salary of MCAs was fixed at Ksh 79,000 but after protests from the MCAs,it was adjusted upwards to Ksh 123,000.But do not be deceived that this is the amount these politicians earn; according to our source, each MCA pockets close to Ksh800,000 per month,this is due to many meetings they hold which attract allowances and also the visits they make to other countries.
A report from the Controller of Budget reveals that on average each MCA in Nairobi is paid Sh262,088 per month.In contrast, their Isiolo counterparts earn just Sh17,219.
Other big earners are in famine-stricken West Pokot (Sh238, 564), Nyamira (Sh237,037) and Uasin Gishu (Sh196,748).
Even though the salaries vary across counties, the minimum amount an MCA can take home is Ksh 400,000 per month-which is why most Kenyans have opted to vie for this prestigious position.
In 2017, Salaries and Renumeration Commission proposed a new pay for MCAs. According to Sarah Serem,MCA should earn a basic salary of Ksh 144,000 ,down from Ksh 157,574.This means the gross pay, after adding allowances ,will be reduced by a small percentage. This reduction is, however, not enough because the officials will make their usual trips abroad and within, which attract huge allowances.