Uhuru allocated highest exit package in Kenya's history The National Treasury has awarded former President Uhuru Kenyatta with a substan...

Uhuru allocated highest exit package in Kenya's history

The National Treasury has awarded former President Uhuru Kenyatta with a substantial amount for his pension and retirement benefits for the current fiscal year, which concludes in June 2023. The sum, specified in President William Ruto's first supplementary budget, is an impressive KES 678.57 million and includes luxurious perks such as a fully furnished office, limousines, and salaries for a number of aides.

Out of the total, KES 655.32 million will be utilized to equip the former President's office, while a monthly pension of KES 1.95 million, totaling KES 23.47 million, will be transferred directly to his bank account. The allocated perks also include KES 140 million for luxury vehicles, KES 162.49 million for trips within Kenya and abroad, as well as considerable amounts for the salaries, refreshments, car fuel and maintenance, and foreign travel expenses of his aides.

This allocation makes Uhuru Kenyatta the recipient of the largest retirement benefits provided to a former President in Kenya, surpassing the amount given to former President Mwai Kibaki, who received KES 94.26 million in his first full fiscal year after leaving office.

Retired Presidents are entitled to various privileges, such as a monthly house allowance, fuel, entertainment, and utilities, along with a considerable entourage of personal assistants, secretaries, messengers, drivers, and bodyguards. They also receive a monthly pension equal to 80% of their pensionable salary, four vehicles including two limousines, full medical coverage, and a fully furnished office.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been granted KES 78.7 million to run his office, while retired Vice-Presidents Moody Awori and Kalonzo Musyoka have received KES 43.1 million and KES 59.2 million, respectively.

In 2021, Kenyatta's retirement package was omitted from the budget, pointing to his desire to remain engaged in politics after the conclusion of his term in August 2022. Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani sought to comply with the provisions of the law that prohibit a retired president from holding office in a political party for six months after resigning.

President Kenyatta has been appointed as the chair of the Azimio la Umoja Council and will also serve as the Jubilee Party leader for the next five years.