Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) play a crucial role in Kenya’s devolved government, representing wards and overseeing county governance. Their compensation, set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), includes a basic salary, allowances, and benefits—making it a topic of public interest.
In this guide, we break down the current MCA salary structure, allowances, and additional perks as of 2025, along with their roles, qualifications, and controversies surrounding their pay.
Who is an MCA? Roles and Responsibilities
MCAs are either elected by voters or nominated by political parties to represent wards in county assemblies. Their key duties include:
- Legislation – Drafting and passing county laws.
- Oversight – Monitoring county budgets (e.g., Ksh. 400 billion allocated in 2024/2025).
- Representation – Advocating for constituents’ needs.
- Budget Approval – Ensuring responsible use of public funds.
- Development Projects – Overseeing local infrastructure and services.
MCA Salary Structure (2025)
The SRC’s Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (2021–2025) determines MCA earnings. As of 2025:
1. Basic Salary
- Regular MCA: Ksh. 98,753 per month (up from Ksh. 92,689 in 2023/24).
- Leaders (Majority/Minority): Ksh. 122,830.
2. Gross Monthly Salary (Including Allowances)
| Component | Regular MCA | Leader (Majority/Minority) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | Ksh. 98,753 | Ksh. 122,830 |
| House Allowance | Ksh. 50,000 | Ksh. 50,000 |
| Salary Market Adjustment | Ksh. 15,835 | Ksh. 31,887 |
| Total Gross Salary | Ksh. 164,588 | Ksh. 204,717 |
Note: Salaries were frozen in 2024 but reinstated with modest hikes in 2025.
3. Net Take-Home Pay
After PAYE (30%), NSSF, and NHIF deductions, an MCA takes home:
- Regular MCA: Ksh. 115,000–120,000 monthly.
- Leaders: Ksh. 150,000–160,000.
MCA Allowances and Benefits
Beyond basic pay, MCAs enjoy lucrative perks:
1. Committee Sitting Allowances
- Chairperson: Ksh. 6,500/sitting (max Ksh. 104,000/month).
- Vice-Chairperson: Ksh. 5,200/sitting (max Ksh. 83,200).
- Member: Ksh. 3,900/sitting (max Ksh. 62,400).
2. Transport Benefits
- Car Grant: Ksh. 2.2 million once per term (for a car ≤1800cc).
- Monthly Mileage Reimbursement: Ksh. 30,167–147,481 (based on ward distance).
- Car Maintenance Allowance: Ksh. 30,167/month.
3. Medical Cover
- Inpatient: Ksh. 3 million/year.
- Outpatient: Ksh. 200,000.
- Maternity/Dental/Optical: Ksh. 50,000 each.
4. Other Perks
- Airtime Allowance: Ksh. 5,000/month.
- Travel Per Diem: Up to Ksh. 150,000 for local/foreign trips.
- Retirement Benefits: 31% gratuity of annual salary per term (≈Ksh. 1.8 million).
- Car Loan (3% interest): Up to Ksh. 2 million.
Controversies & Demands for Higher Pay
MCAs argue their salaries are too low compared to MPs and Governors:
- Demand: 700% increase (from Ksh. 154,481 to Ksh. 560,000) to match MPs.
- Criticism: Public backlash over high pay (5x national average) amid poverty.
Conclusion
An MCA’s total monthly earnings (with allowances) can exceed Ksh. 300,000, making it a lucrative role. However, debates continue over fair compensation versus public service accountability.
For aspiring MCAs, meeting the eligibility criteria and understanding the MCA Salary and Allowances is key. Stay updated as the SRC reviews salaries in 2025/2026!
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