In May, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura shared details of 12 vehicles that the Kenyan government has allocated to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta for their daily transportation needs.
According to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2003, former presidents are entitled to retirement benefits including the provision of over 30 staff members, luxury vehicles, comprehensive health insurance and an international travel allowance permitting up to four trips annually.
Each trip is restricted to a duration of two weeks, and the accompanying delegations are capped at 10 individuals.
Days after Uhuru accused the government of not giving him his retirement benefits, Mwaura stated that the government has extended benefits to Uhuru and Mama Ngina that exceed their official entitlements.
“The third retired president Uhuru Kenyatta is by law entitled to 4 vehicles at the expense of the state, whereas the former first lady HE Mama Ngina Kenyatta is entitled to enjoy half the benefits of a retired president, as a spouse to a former head of state,” he said.
Mwaura stated that the government has supplied a total of 12 vehicles to the two entities, exceeding the legal requirement by at least five units.
The fleet comprises two Toyota Land Cruisers featuring a 4,000cc engine, one Mercedes Benz with a 5,000cc engine, four Toyota Prados equipped with 2,700cc engines and two Range Rovers with 4,200cc engines.
Additionally, there are two Range Rovers with 5,000cc engines and one Subaru Forester that has a 2,000cc engine.
“These vehicles are fully fueled and maintained by the government. The former president has been issued four fuel cards, and Her Excellency Mama Ngina Kenyatta has three fuel cards to facilitate the fueling of their vehicles,” he added.
Mwaura states that the government has also supported the repair and maintenance of the vehicles assigned to the office of the third retired president and the former first lady upon request.
“In the 2023/2024 financial year, the office requested service and maintenance for four motor vehicles, all of which were approved and facilitated,” he said.
Perks of a retired president in Kenya
A retired President in Kenya enjoys a generous retirement package under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Upon retirement, the former President receives a lump sum payment calculated as one year’s salary for each term served in office.
This substantial payment serves as a financial cushion as they transition into retirement.
In addition to the lump sum, a retired President is entitled to a monthly pension that amounts to 80% of the current President’s salary, which is approximately Ksh 1.15 million per month.
This pension ensures a comfortable standard of living post-presidency.
Retired Presidents also receive various allowances to support their lifestyle.
This includes an entertainment allowance of 15% of the current President’s salary, which translates to around Ksh 200,000 per month.
They are entitled to a housing allowance of 23% of the President’s salary, amounting to Ksh 300,000 per month, applicable for both urban and rural residences.
Additionally, they receive a fuel allowance of Ksh 200,000 per month and an electricity, water and telephone allowance of Ksh 300,000 per month.
In terms of office and transport, retired Presidents are provided with suitable office space of up to 1,000 square meters, complete with necessary furniture and equipment.
They are entitled to two new cars of their choice, which can be replaced every three years, with an engine capacity under 3,000cc.
Furthermore, they receive two 4-wheel drive vehicles of their choice, also replaceable every three years, with an engine capacity exceeding 3,400cc.
Healthcare is another significant benefit, as retired Presidents receive full medical and hospital coverage for themselves, their spouses, and their children under 18.
This includes both local and overseas treatment options, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare.
Additionally, retired Presidents are entitled to a range of support staff, including personal assistants, secretaries, drivers, cooks, gardeners, and security personnel.
This extensive support network helps them manage their post-presidential responsibilities effectively.
Other perks include a diplomatic passport for both the retired President and their spouse, along with an international travel allowance that covers up to four trips per year, not exceeding two weeks each.
They also have access to VIP lounges at Kenyan airports and are entitled to a state funeral upon their passing.
