In a bid to dispel rumors regarding the government’s purported failure to consistently honor its obligations to retired presidents, vice presidents, and the former prime minister, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura laid out a comprehensive overview of the benefits accorded to these esteemed individuals. Addressing concerns head-on, Mwaura emphasized the Kenya Kwanza government’s steadfast commitment to upholding the law and providing due support to retired state officers, in line with the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
President Ruto’s administration reaffirmed its stance against the misuse of state resources, affirming that the provision of benefits to retired presidents is not only a legal obligation but also a demonstration of respect for their years of service to the nation.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, as outlined by Mwaura, has been receiving substantial benefits since stepping down from office. Notably, he received a lump sum payment of KES 48 million, equivalent to one year’s salary for each of his two terms in office. In addition to a monthly pension of KES 1.6 million, President Kenyatta benefits from various allowances, including entertainment, housing, fuel, and utility allowances, totaling KES 1 million per month. Furthermore, he and his spouse enjoy a comprehensive medical and hospital cover worth KES 20 million, both domestically and overseas, with all benefits exempted from taxation.
The retired president also maintains a fully furnished and government-funded office space of his choice and is entitled to a fleet of vehicles, including two new cars with engine capacities of at least 3000cc, replaced every three years. Additionally, he receives two other vehicles, also replaceable every three years, with engine capacities of 3,400cc.
Contrary to misconceptions, Mwaura clarified that former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta is entitled to enjoy half the benefits of a retired president, including a share of the vehicles allocated to the office.
However, the extent of benefits provided has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the number and specifications of vehicles at the expense of the state. The Kenyatta family, comprising the former president and Mama Ngina Kenyatta, currently enjoys a total of 12 vehicles, ranging from Toyota Land Cruisers to Range Rovers, all fully fueled and maintained by the government.
Moreover, the government ensures the upkeep of these vehicles, facilitating repairs and maintenance as needed, as evidenced by requests processed in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Additionally, the retired president’s office is staffed by a team of 34 individuals, carefully selected and deployed to various roles, including private secretaries, hospitality officers, drivers, public communication assistants, and medical personnel, among others.
To address concerns about the size of delegations accompanying the former president during international engagements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended a lean delegation of 10 staff, a measure approved by key government officials as part of wider austerity measures.
The government’s dedication to honoring and dignifying other retired state officers, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice Presidents Moody Awori and Kalonzo Musyoka, was also reiterated, with each entitled to three vehicles as per the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
