Overview
Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) in Kenya are high-ranking state officials serving under the Executive arm of the national government. They form part of the Cabinet, which also includes the President, Deputy President, and the Attorney General. Appointed by the President and approved by Parliament, CSs are responsible for overseeing and managing their respective ministries in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya.
The law permits the President to appoint a maximum of 22 Cabinet Secretaries, each accountable to the President and required to report regularly to Parliament on the performance of their ministries.
Cabinet Secretary Salary and Allowances in Kenya
As per the latest Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) gazette notice, a Cabinet Secretary in Kenya earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh 924,000. Below is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure:
| Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 554,400 |
| House Allowance | 200,000 |
| Market Adjustment | 169,600 |
| Total Monthly Pay | 924,000 |
Additional Benefits and Allowances
Apart from their monthly salary, Cabinet Secretaries are entitled to a range of perks and non-monetary benefits, including:
- Official Transport
Each CS is assigned an official government vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc. - Comprehensive Medical Cover
The cover includes the CS, one spouse, and up to four dependent children under 25 years. Benefits include:- Inpatient: Up to Ksh 10 million
- Outpatient: Ksh 300,000
- Maternity: Ksh 150,000
- Dental: Ksh 75,000
- Optical: Ksh 75,000
- Car Loan: Up to Ksh 10 million
- Mortgage Facility: Up to Ksh 40 million
- Airtime Allowance: Up to Ksh 20,000 monthly
- Annual Leave Allowance: Ksh 50,000 per year
Final Thoughts
Cabinet Secretaries play a vital role in shaping Kenya’s public policy and ensuring efficient service delivery across government ministries. The compensation and benefits they receive reflect the high level of responsibility and expectations attached to their roles.
READ MORE: Roles and Responsibilities of the Prime Cabinet Secretary in Kenya






