The Kenyan taxpayer will fork out at least Sh2 billion to finance chief administrative secretaries, an office former holders say is a waste of public funds. Cumulatively, the officials will be taking home Sh17 million every month in salaries, translating to more than Sh1 billion in President William Ruto’s first term. Every CAS is entitled to a one-off mortgage payment of Sh35 million and a Sh10 million car grant, adding to Sh990 million. The taxpayers will additionally provide Sh10 million and Sh3 million inpatient and outpatient medical cover for a CAS.
In addition, Kenyans will be financing the running of their offices. A CAS is entitled to two top-of-therange vehicles, a driver, an unspecified number of security personnel to be moving around with him or her and guarding their Nairobi and rural homes, a personal assistant and two secretaries.
The government may acquire extra office space for ministries that cannot accommodate another senior official.
In the same country where grannies and parents flock to their children’s schools at lunch time for their only meal of the day: a bowl of maize and beans.