Former Kenya president Uhuru Kenyatta could lose some of his retirement benefits if a new bill introduced in the Senate becomes law.
The bill, tabled on May 4 by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, seeks to review benefits granted to former presidents who remain active in politics.
At the center of the debate is whether retired leaders who continue to engage in political activities should keep enjoying full state-funded privileges under existing law.
Uhuru currently receives a monthly pension equivalent to 80 percent of the sitting president’s salary, estimated at about KSh 1.4 million. In addition, he is entitled to several allowances, including entertainment (15 percent), housing (23 percent), and fuel (15 percent).
The state also covers utilities such as electricity, water, and telephone services, calculated at about 23 percent of the current president’s salary.
Beyond financial benefits, the former president is supported by state-funded staff, including personal assistants, secretaries, drivers, and household workers such as cooks, cleaners, and gardeners.
Office maintenance and operational costs are also covered by the government.
On transport, Uhuru is entitled to two vehicles of his choice, replaced every three years, with full maintenance costs paid by the state.
He also enjoys diplomatic privileges, including diplomatic passports for himself and his spouse, as well as government-coordinated domestic travel arrangements.
However, the proposed bill calls for a full audit of all public resources allocated to Uhuru since leaving office, a move that could widen scrutiny over how taxpayer funds are used to support former leaders.
