The financial implication of VIP security

The financial implication of VIP security

The amount of money pumped into maintenance of VIP security is colossal, so are other logistics associated with this delicate function.

Road and air transport, weaponry, accommodation, and medicare raise the burden on the taxpayer. Taking Sh13,000 as the average monthly earnings for the regular police, it would mean the 200 set aside for President Kibaki take home Sh2.6 million a month, or Sh31.2 million annually.

The two batches of 45 each, for the Prime Minister, and the Vice-President would cost about Sh1.17 million a month in salaries alone.

This means the 2,500 police officers set aside for VIP protection costs the Exchequer about Sh65.8 million a month on salaries alone.

The 600 GSU personnel would take home atleast Sh7.8 million, and the 1,600 APs a minimum of Sh20 million a month.

These are average figures and exclude food, transport, housing, and weapons. They also do not factor in the earnings of their superiors and other allowances.

The Standard on Sunday enquiries found out officers attached to VIPs draw monthly allowances that range from Sh6,000, and above, depending on rank.

The head of Presidential Escort Unit Benson Kibui is a Deputy Commissioner of Police, while those of Raila and Kalonzo are Chief Inspectors. In the Presidential Escort are many sub-units headed by senior officers, which means they draw higher allowances.

Furthermore, all the officers who do not wear uniforms draw an annual allowance of Sh30,000 for suits.

Calls for change

Asked about the cost of VIP protection, GSU Commandant Mathew Iteere declined to comment. Administration Police Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua said he did not have the exact figures, but explained: "Protection of VIPs and Government buildings are part of our core duties. It is a duty we are good at.’’

But the heavier cost to the taxpayer remains when these officers are withdrawn from the more serious task of combating crime and are concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.

Within the forces there are muted calls for reduction of these numbers and the transfer of non-essential VIP protection services either to private hands or such public organisations as the National Youth Service.

There are also calls for transparent and regularised deployment so it becomes clear which levels get what number of guard.

Others simply want the VIP protection units strengthened in terms of professional capacity and cut down in terms of numbers.