How counties ignore SRC orders, blow budget on rent for top officials

Construction of the Kericho County Assembly speaker’s residence started in August 2019. [Courtesy]

Several counties are still pouring millions into rent for governors, deputies, and speakers, ignoring clear directives from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Three years past the SRC’s deadline, many projects intended to build official residences remain stalled or have yet to begin.

Back in March 2013, the SRC called for the provision of official homes for high-ranking officials, such as the President, Chief Justice, Governors, and Speakers of both National and County Assemblies. By 2015, the SRC also capped the rent for Speaker’s residences at Sh150,000 per month for major counties, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, and Sh75,000 for others.