Editor's Review

  • The new budget seeks to help the leaders market the BBI Bill. 
  • It is an increase from the previous allocation. 

The government is seeking to adjust upwards pension funds paid to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

In the new planned adjustment, the two will get up to Sh594 million.

The two leaders have been allocated Sh200 million each in gratuity as former Prime Minister and former Vice President respectively.

The State had also granted the duo annual pensions of Sh25 million each or Sh2 million per month.

This comes as the Treasury seeks to adjust the perks upwards to fund Raila and Kalonzo’s cost of operations, ostensibly to help them move around the country to market the BBI.

Under the new budget, Raila will be allocated Sh1.2 million for utilities supplies and services—water and electricity.

MPs have been asked to approve Sh1.2 million for communication services; Sh4.8 million for domestic travel and subsistence and other transportation costs.

Raila would also, be entitled to Sh75,000 for printing, advertising, and information supplies; Sh10 million for rent; Sh125,000 for training expenses; Sh1.5 million for routine maintenance, and Sh4.1 million for hospitality.

The ODM leader’s budget for fuel has also increased by Sh1 million to a new figure of Sh2.5 million. The former PM was allocated Sh1.5 million for fuel in the current budget.

The Treasury has also allocated Sh15 million for the purchase of vehicles.

Kalonzo has been allocated Sh1.4 million for utilities—water and electricity supplies.

Another Sh1.5 million is proposed for communication services; Sh6.5 million for domestic travel, subsistence, and other transportation costs.

The State would also cater for the former Vice President’s rent at Sh10 million; Sh150,000 for meeting training expenses; Sh5.5 million for hospitality—to entertain guests, and Sh1.5 million for office supplies.

Kalonzo’s budget for fuel has also been increased by Sh1 million up from Sh1.5 million that was allocated in the budget for this year.

He is also set for a benefit of Sh1.5 million for routine maintenance of other assets. The Wiper leader’s budget for the purchase of vehicles has, however, been reduced to Sh5.1 million.

There is equally a curios upward adjustment of Sh98 million to the headquarters to cater for government pension and retirement benefits.

State House is set to get Sh561 million more compared with the budget approved in June, a chunk being Sh400 million for other operating expenses.

An additional Sh122.4 million has been proposed for pension and benefits, probably for retiring State House staff; and Sh15.2 million for machinery.