County Commissioners are Civil servants in Kenya, which means their salaries are determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). For those who might not be aware, the SRC was established under Article 230 of Kenya’s Constitution and is pivotal in ensuring equitable pay structures across government roles. So, how much do county commissioners earn?
Kenya has 47 Counties, and each County has a County Commissioner. However, it’s important to note that not all counties have County Commissioners, because at the top of the hierarchy, just above the County Commissioners, are the Regional Commissioners, who are in charge of various regions that host several counties. Therefore, counties without County Commissioners are managed by Regional Commissioners. You can check this article for a list of all County Commissioners in Kenya in 2026.
What is the 2026 Basic Salary for a County Commissioner?
County Commissioners in Kenya occupy senior positions within the civil service hierarchy, typically categorised under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s Job Groups. According to the latest Job Posting from the Public Service Commission (PSC), the county commissioners fall in the CPSB 1–3 or CSG 4–5 job groups.
Job groups in Kenya categorise civil servants into common groups based on education level, skills, and years of experience to determine pay gaps. Therefore, how much do county commissioners earn? Since they fall under the CSG 4–5 job groups, their pay varies from KSh 180,160 to KSh 335,450 per month.
And you may wonder why there is a difference in earnings, even though the Job role is the same. Well, three factors mostly determine how much county commissioners earn. The first is their length of service, in that commissioners receive a salary increment based on their year of office. Secondly, Performance metrics tied to county development targets and fiscal management efficiency also directly impact earnings, as outlined in the SRC’s performance-linked remuneration framework. Lastly, the general national economic conditions and budgetary allocations from the National Treasury also influence their earnings.
County Commissioners’ Allowances & Benefits
On top of the monthly basic salary of KSh 185,690 to KSh 396,130, county commissioners are entitled to several allowances that significantly determine their gross pay. Generally, the allowances of the County commissioners often add between 30 and 40% increase to their basic, and these allowances are as follows:
- House Allowance: The allowances they receive vary from county to county, and it’s based on the SRC four-tier cluster system. County commissioners in Nairobi County (Cluster 1) receive up to KSh 140,600 to compensate for the high cost of living in the city, while those in the rural setting (Cluster 4) can receive up to KSh 16,800 to KSh 20,000 per month.
- Commuter Allowance: These allowances vary from KSh 24,000–25,000/month to cover daily transportation needs, whether for office commutes or county-wide oversight duties.
- Hardship Allowance: These allowances (KSh 60,000) are only given to commissioners stationed in high-risk regions, such as Turkana and Garissa counties.
Additionally, in addition to these allowances, all county commissioners are entitled to terms of service based on permanent and pensionable amounts. Other benefits they receive are as follows:
| Benefit Category | Details | Coverage / Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Cover | • Inpatient care • Outpatient care • Includes spouse + up to 4 dependents • Available at accredited facilities nationwide | • Inpatient: Ksh 3,000,000 p.a. • Outpatient: Ksh 200,000 p.a. |
| Retirement Benefits | • Gratuity: 31 % of annual pensionable earnings • Monthly pension based on employer contributions | |
| Mortgage Loan | • Up to Ksh 20,000,000 at 3 % interest | • Up to Ksh 20 000 000 at 3 % interest |
| Car Loan | • Facility to support operational mobility, especially in rural postings • 10‑year repayment term | • Non‑monetized benefit valued at ~Ksh 150,000/month (private‑sector equivalent) |
| Security Provisions | • Armed escorts • Secure residences• Threat‑assessment teams | • Non-monetised benefit valued at ~Ksh 150,000/month (private‑sector equivalent) |
Questions And Answers
How much does an assistant county commissioner make in Kenya per month?
Since they fall under the SRC, the CSG-11 salary scale, they earn a monthly basic salary ranging from KSh 30,170 to KSh 40,060. In addition to their basic salary, they receive a house allowance of KSh 4,200 to KSh 10,000, depending on their duty station, and a commuter allowance of KSh 4,000 per month.
How to become a county commissioner in Kenya?
Applications to become a County Commissioner are usually advertised via the Public Service Commission’s career portal. However, for one to be appointed for these job positions, they must have met the following Requirements:
- Have served for at least two years as a Senior Deputy County Commissioner I or in a comparable position in the public service.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any Social Science or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university in Kenya.
- Demonstrate administrative and managerial capabilities.
- Passed the Administrative Officers’ examination
How much does a deputy county commissioner earn?
Since they fall under the SRC Job Group Q, they earn between KSh 89,748 and KSh 120,270 monthly.
What are the main responsibilities of a county commissioner?
County commissioners serve as the representatives of the national government at the county level. Their main responsibilities include implementing government policies, overseeing county administration, mobilising national resources for county development, and serving as the county’s chief administrator. They also coordinate with the county leadership and serve as liaisons between the national and county governments.
What is the educational qualification required to be a county commissioner?
According to the requirements outlined by the Public Service Commission, a county commissioner must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any Social Science or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university in Kenya. This educational requirement ensures that commissioners have the necessary theoretical knowledge and expertise in managing county-level administration and policy implementation.
How many county commissioners are there in Kenya?
Kenya has 47 counties, and ideally, each county should have a County Commissioner. However, not all counties have County Commissioners due to administrative restructuring and regional governance arrangements. Some counties are managed by Regional Commissioners who oversee multiple counties within their region. The total number of active county commissioners can vary depending on the current administrative structure and government policies.
