A proposal by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) to grant retiring auditors general generous retirement benefits has been rejected by Members of Parliament. The accountants’ lobby had suggested a package including a monthly pension at 70% of their last salary, which would amount to approximately KSh 660,000 monthly, or over KSh 8 million annually.
ICPAK also proposed a lump sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary for each term served, a 3,000cc vehicle replaceable every four years, a fuel allowance at 15% of the last monthly salary, and comprehensive medical cover, including overseas treatment, for retirees and their spouses.
Additional requests included support staff, armed security, a driver, diplomatic passports, vehicle maintenance, and access to VIP airport lounges.
However, the National Assembly Finance Committee, chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, rejected the proposal, citing financial constraints in the current economic climate. The committee noted that the proposed benefits would add financial burdens that are unsustainable.
Edward Ouko, the former Auditor General from 2011 to 2019, has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of retirement benefits. He noted that he only received a one-time gratuity and faced immediate withdrawal of security and health coverage upon retirement. Ouko lamented that the demanding nature of the job left no room for pursuing other economic activities, leaving him financially vulnerable post-retirement.
While the committee’s position could theoretically be overturned in a plenary vote, such instances are rare.
