The County Chief of Staff is a high-ranking official in Kenya’s devolved government system, playing a crucial role in coordinating county executive functions. Given the position’s significance, many are curious about the salary and benefits attached to it. In this guide, we break down the County Chief of Staff salary in Kenya, including basic pay, allowances, and additional perks.
We’ll also explore how experience, location, and job responsibilities influence earnings.
County Chief of Staff Salary Structure
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regulates public sector pay in Kenya, including salaries for county executives. While exact figures for the Chief of Staff role aren’t explicitly listed in SRC documents, we can derive estimates based on comparable positions.
1. Basic Salary
The Chief of Staff typically falls under Job Group R (CPSB 3) or higher, with a basic monthly salary ranging between KES 121,430 and KES 169,140. However, some sources suggest that senior executives in county governments earn significantly more, with averages around KES 1,835,700 annually (KES 152,975 monthly).
2. Allowances
In addition to the basic salary, the Chief of Staff receives several allowances:
- House Allowance:
- Cluster 1 (Nairobi): Up to KES 50,000–60,000
- Cluster 2 (Major cities like Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu): KES 35,000–56,000
- Cluster 3 (Other urban areas): KES 25,000–52,000
- Cluster 4 (Rural areas): KES 20,000 or lower.
- Commuter Allowance: KES 20,000–25,000 per month.
- Hardship Allowance: Up to KES 38,100 for high-ranking officials in hardship zones.
- Leave Allowance: KES 35,000 annually.
3. Additional Benefits
- Official Car: Provided or a commuter allowance of KES 24,000 if no car is available.
- Medical Cover: Comprehensive insurance covering inpatient (KES 3M), outpatient (KES 200K), dental, and optical care.
- Loan Benefits:
- Mortgage: Up to KES 20 million at 3% interest.
- Car Loan: Up to KES 4 million.
- Pension & Gratuity: Either a 31% gratuity of annual pensionable income or employer contributions to a pension scheme.
Factors Affecting the County Chief of Staff’s Salary
- Experience:
- Entry-level executives earn around KES 1,083,500 annually, while those with 10+ years can make KES 2.8M+ 4.
- Education:
- A Master’s degree can increase earnings by 21% compared to a Bachelor’s.
- Location:
- Salaries in Nairobi are higher due to the high cost of living.
- County Budget:
- Wealthier counties may offer better compensation than smaller ones.
Comparison with Other Senior County Roles
| Position | Basic Salary (KES) | Total Compensation (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| County Chief of Staff | 121,430–169,140 | 300,000–500,000+ |
| County Executive Member | 247,847 | 413,079 (with allowances) |
| Deputy Chief of Staff | $228,891/year (approx. KES 27.5M) |
Note: Some figures vary due to different reporting sources.
Job Responsibilities of a County Chief of Staff
The role involves:
- Advising the Governor on policy and administration.
- Coordinating between county departments.
- Overseeing strategic projects.
- Managing executive communications.
Conclusion
The County Chief of Staff’s salary in Kenya is competitive, with a basic pay of KES 121,430–169,140 plus generous allowances. Total earnings can exceed KES 500,000 monthly when factoring in benefits like housing, medical cover, and loans.
For those eyeing this role, gaining experience, higher education, and working in high-budget counties can significantly boost earnings.
Want more details? Check the SRC guidelines or county government job postings for updates.
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