Taxpayers in Kenya are set to shoulder the burden of a heavy send off package and monthly pension payments for immediate former Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro.
Ethuro will earn a send off package amounting to Sh.17 million. He will also be getting monthly pension payments of up to Sh.1,056,000.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in 2013 set the salary of the Speaker of the Senate and the National Assembly at Sh. 1,320,000.
According to the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015, Mr Ethuro will walk home with a lump sum pay of Sh. 15,840,000, equivalent of one year’s salary.
Taxpayers will also foot a monthly fuel allowance of Sh. 198,000, being 15 per cent of Mr Ethuro’s monthly salary of Sh. 1.32 million.
Mr Ethuro will also enjoy other lifelong benefits including one saloon vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 2000cc which will be replaceable once every four years, one four-wheel drive vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc which will be replaceable once every four years and a fuel allowance equal to 15 per cent of current monthly salary of the office holder.
Taxpayers will also pay for his and the spouse’s full medical and hospital cover, providing for local and overseas treatment, with a reputable insurance company.
Mr Ethuro will also be entitled to two drivers, one personal assistant, one secretary, one housekeeper, one senior support staff, one gardener and one cleaner.
Two armed security guards who will be provided on his request. He and his spouse will also have diplomatic passports.
Mr Ethuro will also have access to the VIP lounge at all airports in Kenya.