By Dorothy Musyoka
The Government’s spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura has disclosed the monthly sum allocated by the government for the support of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a statement dated 31st May 2024, Mwaura revealed that the government is supporting the office of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in accordance with the law.
“The government is committed to supporting the office of the retired presidents and other state officers in accordance with the laws. The Kenya Kwanza Government is firmly against weaponization of state resources,” noted the Government’s spokesperson.
“The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act demands that former presidents receive pensions and other retirement benefits after leaving office,” read the statement in part.
The statement indicated that the retired president takes Kshs 2.6 million home which is inclusive of monthly allowances.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta has received a lump sum payment of Kshs. 48 million equivalent to one year’s salary for each of the two terms he served. Additionally, he receives a monthly pension of Kshs. 1.6 million, and monthly allowances of Kshs. 1 million including entertainment allowance of Ksh.200,000, a monthly house allowance of Kshs. 300,000, a fuel allowance of Kshs. 200,000 per month, and a monthly allowance of Kshs. 300,000 for water, electricity and telephone services,” said Dr Mwaura.
The government’s spokesperson also noted that the spouse also benefits from a comprehensive medical and hospital cover worth Kshs. 20 million adding that the benefits are exempted from tax.
“He also benefits from a comprehensive medical and hospital cover worth Kshs. 20 million for both local and overseas treatment for himself and his spouse. Importantly all these benefits are exempted from tax,” reiterated Dr. Mwaura.
Additionally, the statement indicated that the former Kenya president enjoys a fully furnished and maintained office space of his choice paid for by the government.
In addition, the government’s spokesperson said the retired president is by law entitled to 4 vehicles.
“The third retired president H. E Uhuru Kenyatta is by law entitled to 4 vehicles at the expense of the state, whereas the former first lady H. E Mama Ngina Kenyatta is entitled to enjoy half the benefits of the retired president, as a spouse to a former head of state,” noted Dr.Mwaura.
He revealed that the office of the former president has a total of 12 vehicles at the expense of the state which are maintained by the government.
“These are two Toyota Land Cruisers with a 4,000cc engine capacity, one Mercedez Benz with a 5,000cc engine, four Toyota Prados with 2,700cc engines, two Range Rovers with 4,200cc engines, two Range Rovers with 5,000cc engines and one Subaru Forester with a 2,000cc engine,” stated the Government’s spokesperson.
Dr. Mwaura says the government has additionally facilitated repairs and maintenance of the vehicles attached to the office of the third retired president and the former first lady upon requisition.
“In the 2023/2024 financial year, the office requested service and maintenance for four motor vehicles, all of which were approved and facilitated,” added Dr. Mwaura.
The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act 2003 is an act of parliament to provide for the granting of pension and other retirement benefits to the holders of the office of President upon their ceasing to hold office.