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Treasury has proposed steep cuts to retirement benefits for former top government officials, including ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and former Vice Presidents Moody Awori and Kalonzo Musyoka.
These changes are set to take effect from July, aligning with broader efforts to streamline government spending.
According to budget documents presented to Parliament, Mr. Kenyatta’s retirement perks will be reduced by Sh94.6 million, bringing his total benefits down to Sh276.85 million from the previous Sh371.46 million.
The most substantial cuts target foreign travel (down by Sh46.5 million), insurance (reduced by Sh23 million), domestic travel (cut by Sh11 million), fuel (Sh7.5 million less), and hospitality expenses (down Sh6 million).
The former leaders, who receive monthly allowances to maintain offices, pay staff, purchase and fuel vehicles, and cover local and international travel, will all feel the pinch under the new proposals.
For Mr. Odinga, the proposed cut is Sh23.9 million, reducing his office budget from Sh87.2 million to Sh63.27 million. Key reductions for him include Sh20 million less in insurance, and smaller cuts to domestic travel and hospitality.
Mr. Musyoka faces a Sh28.4 million reduction in his perks, with his budget dropping from Sh81.36 million to Sh52.9 million. This includes a Sh20 million cut in insurance and a drop in domestic travel funds from Sh3.25 million to Sh2.06 million.
Former Vice President Moody Awori’s budget will also be trimmed, with a Sh20 million reduction leaving his secretariat with Sh53.9 million to operate.
It’s important to note that these allowances are distinct from the pensions these leaders receive, which are pegged at 80 percent of their last drawn salaries.
For example, Mr. Kenyatta is slated to receive a pension of Sh16.78 million starting in July, independent of the perks being adjusted.
As the government tightens fiscal policy, these cuts signal a move toward leaner expenditure, even at the highest levels of political retirement.