In Kenya, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) determines the salaries of all state officers, from the presidency to Members of Parliament. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected leaders who serve their constituencies within the legislative arm of the government. Every financial year, starting on July 1st, MPs’ pay in Kenya is continuously revised to meet constitutional requirements outlined in Article 230(5) of the 2010 Constitution. For this reason, the general public is always curious to find out how much they earn.
Truth be told, MP salaries vary widely, and you will be surprised that not all members of parliament in Kenya earn the same salaries. We will explain why in this guide. Below is everything you need to know about an MP’s basic and gross salary in Kenya, including the latest changes and comprehensive benefits structure.
MP’s Salary in Kenya
When it comes to paying state officers in Kenya at the national and county levels, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission is tasked with determining their pay every financial year. The 2010 constitution clearly states that the SRC functions in setting remuneration, allowances, and benefits under Article 230(5), with the mandate to ensure that the total public compensation bill is fiscally sustainable while attracting and retaining the skills required to execute governmental functions.
The latest Gazette notice published by SRC was on August 9th, 2023, and covers the fiscal years (FY) 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. The gross salaries of the current members of parliament for the financial year 2024/2025 are Ksh 739,600. When broken down, the MPs earn a basic salary of Ksh 443,760 in the 2024/25 FY, with various allowances bringing their total gross monthly pay to Ksh 739,600.
Below is a table to help you understand MPs’ gross salaries after all the allowances:
| Salary Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | 443,760 |
| House allowance | 150,000 |
| Market adjustment | 145,840 |
| Commuter allowance | Official |
| Total gross salary | 739,600 |
MP Salary Progression Over the Years
Understanding how MP salaries in Kenya have changed over the years puts the current figures into perspective. The SRC undertakes structured reviews at the end of each Review Cycle — meaning MP salaries do not change every year by an arbitrary figure but rather through a formally gazetted process.
Here is how the gross monthly salary for a regular MP has evolved across recent financial years:
| Financial Year | Basic Salary (Ksh) | Gross Salary (Ksh) | Review Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/2023 | 420,000 | 710,000 (approx.) | Third Cycle (Phase I) |
| 2023/2024 | 435,301 | 725,502 | Third Cycle (Phase II) |
| 2024/2025 | 443,760 | 739,600 | Third Cycle (Phase II, FY2) |
| 2025/2026 | Under Fourth Cycle Review | TBD post-gazette | Fourth Cycle (commenced July 2025) |
The Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle covers financial years 2021/2022 through 2024/2025. The Fourth Review Cycle, which covers 2025/2026 to 2028/2029, commenced in July 2025. The SRC began Phase I of this Fourth Cycle with a broader civil service review approved in late 2025, though the specific gazette notice for state officers, including MPs, under the new cycle had not yet been published as of February 2026. This means the most recently gazetted gross salary for MPs, Ksh 739,600, remains the operative official figure.
The figures above highlight a steady upward trend in MP compensation, driven by cost-of-living adjustments, salary market positioning reviews, and the constitutionally mandated periodic review process. Each revision includes a market-adjustment component to align MP pay with comparable roles in the private and public sectors. This approach ensures that Parliament attracts and retains experienced legislators, while the SRC simultaneously monitors the sustainability of the overall public wage bill.
Note
The monthly remuneration for an MP is fixed for the duration of their parliamentary term, unless the SRC formally reviews and resets it through an official gazette notice. This means that changes take legal effect only at the start of a new financial year following gazette publication not mid-term or informally.
Benefits & Car Grants
MP salaries in Kenya go beyond their basic pay and standard allowances to increase the total value of their compensation package. The SRC provides them with extensive benefits, especially for those involved in parliamentary duties and committee work. They are as follows:
Committee Sitting Allowances
MPs serving on parliamentary committees are entitled to sit allowances based on their role within the committee structure. The current rates are:
- Committee Chairperson: Ksh 15,000 per sitting, capped at Ksh 240,000 per month
- Committee Vice-Chairperson: Ksh 12,000 per sitting, capped at Ksh 192,000 per month
- Committee Members: Ksh 7,500 per sitting, capped at Ksh 120,000 per month
Transportation Benefits Package
One of the most significant benefits involves official transport provisions. MPs receive a car maintenance allowance of KSh 356,525 per month, which covers the operational costs of maintaining their official vehicles. Additionally, they receive a motor vehicle reimbursement of KSh 7,550,000 to purchase a car to undertake official duties in the constituencies they serve.
The transportation package also includes mileage reimbursement for one return journey per week from Nairobi to their constituency at KSh 152.6 per kilometre. MPs whose constituency offices are more than 205 km from Nairobi can also claim the additional per-kilometre rate for the extra distance. This is further structured into zones:
- Zone 1 (up to 350 km): Maximum Ksh 462,887 per month
- Zone 2 (351 km and above): Based on actual distance travelled
Complete Benefits Structure
The comprehensive benefits package for MPs in Kenya includes:
| Category | Benefit | Amount / Rate | Frequency / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Committee Allowance | Chairperson | Ksh 15,000 per sitting | Max Ksh 240,000/month |
| Committee Allowance | Vice-Chairperson | Ksh 12,000 per sitting | Max Ksh 192,000/month |
| Committee Allowance | Member | Ksh 7,500 per sitting | Max Ksh 120,000/month |
| Transport | Motor Vehicle Reimbursement | Ksh 7,550,000 | One-time per parliamentary term |
| Transport | Car Maintenance Allowance | Ksh 356,525 | Per month |
| Transport | Mileage Claim | Ksh 152.6 per km | Weekly return journey |
| Transport | Zoned Mileage – Zone 1 | Max Ksh 462,887 | Per month |
| Transport | Zoned Mileage – Zone 2 | Based on distance | Per month |
| Special Duty | Leadership Allowance | Up to Ksh 150,000 | Per month |
| Medical | Inpatient Cover | Ksh 10,000,000 | Per year (MP, 1 spouse, up to 5 dependent children under 25) |
| Medical | Outpatient Cover | Ksh 300,000 | Per year |
| Medical | Maternity Cover | Ksh 150,000 | Per year |
| Medical | Dental Cover | Ksh 100,000 | Per year |
| Medical | Optical Cover | Ksh 100,000 | Per year |
| Loan Facility | Car Loan | Up to Ksh 8,000,000 | 3% interest per annum, repayable within term |
| Loan Facility | Mortgage | Up to Ksh 35,000,000 | 3% interest per annum, repayable within term |
| Communication | Airtime Allowance | Up to Ksh 15,000 | Per month |
Do All MPs in Kenya Earn the Same?
As mentioned above, the current basic salary for regular Members of Parliament in Kenya stands at Ksh 443,760, with a gross salary of Ksh 739,600. However, it is essential to clarify that not all Members of Parliament in Kenya earn the same salaries when all allowances and benefits are factored in.
This variation exists because certain MPs hold parliamentary leadership roles, such as Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Majority Party, and Leader of the Minority Party. These leadership positions come with additional responsibilities and correspondingly higher compensation to reflect the increased duties and accountability.
MPs in leadership positions have significantly higher basic salaries than regular members:
- Deputy Speaker: Ksh 580,014 basic salary
- Leader of Majority Party: Ksh 480,011 basic salary
- Leader of Minority Party: Ksh 480,011 basic salary
When allowances are included, their gross salaries reflect these leadership premiums:
| Position | Basic Salary (Ksh) | House Allowance (Ksh) | Commuter | Market Adjustment (Ksh) | Gross Salary (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly | 580,014 | 200,000 | Official | 186,676 | 966,690 |
| Leader of the Majority Party | 480,011 | 150,000 | Official | 170,008 | 800,019 |
| Leader of the Minority Party | 480,011 | 150,000 | Official | 170,008 | 800,019 |
NOTE: Although not a member of parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly receives the highest compensation within the parliamentary structure, taking home Ksh 1,208,362, consisting of Ksh 711,196 basic pay and Ksh 250,000 in house allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MP earn per month in Kenya?
A regular Member of Parliament in Kenya earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh 739,600. This comprises a basic salary of Ksh 443,760, a house allowance of Ksh 150,000, a market adjustment of Ksh 145,840, and an official commuter allowance. This figure is based on the most recently gazetted SRC rates under the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle.
How much does a Senator earn in Kenya?
Senators in Kenya earn the same gross monthly salary as Members of the National Assembly — Ksh 739,600. This includes the same basic salary, house allowance, and market adjustment. Senators serving in leadership roles, such as Leader of the Majority or Minority in the Senate, also earn Ksh 800,019 gross per month.
What allowances do MPs in Kenya receive?
Beyond their basic pay, Kenyan MPs receive a wide range of allowances including a house allowance of Ksh 150,000, a market adjustment of Ksh 145,840, an official commuter allowance, committee sitting allowances of up to Ksh 240,000/month for chairpersons, a car maintenance allowance of Ksh 356,525/month, a mileage allowance of Ksh 152.6 per km, and an airtime allowance of Ksh 15,000/month.
How much does the Speaker of the National Assembly earn in Kenya?
The Speaker of the National Assembly earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh 1,208,362, which includes a basic salary of Ksh 711,196 and a house allowance of Ksh 250,000. The Speaker’s position carries the highest compensation within Kenya’s parliamentary structure, above the Deputy Speaker at Ksh 966,690.
What is the car grant for MPs in Kenya?
MPs in Kenya are entitled to a one-time motor vehicle reimbursement of Ksh 7,550,000 per parliamentary term for purchasing a car to undertake official duties. They also receive a monthly car maintenance allowance of Ksh 356,525 and can access a car loan of up to Ksh 8 million at 3% interest per annum, administered by the Parliamentary Service Commission.
How much do nominated MPs earn in Kenya?
Nominated Members of Parliament in Kenya receive the same remuneration structure as elected MPs — a gross monthly salary of Ksh 739,600, including the same basic salary, allowances, and benefits. Their pay is governed by the same SRC gazette notice and is not differentiated based on how they entered Parliament.
