MPs reject accountants’ proposal to give Auditor Generals huge retirement perks
Other high-end benefits requested by ICPAK included a dedicated driver, personal assistant, housekeeper, gardener, cleaner, and two armed security guards.
Members of Parliament have rejected a proposal by the Institute of Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) to give retiring Auditor Generals a generous retirement package.
The proposal, which sought to provide former Auditor Generals with hefty financial and non-financial benefits, was on Tuesday shot down by the National Assembly's Finance Committee.
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ICPAK had suggested that retiring Auditor Generals be paid a monthly pension equal to 70 per cent of their last salary, amounting to approximately Sh660,000 a month, or over Sh8 million annually.
In addition, the proposal included a lump sum payment of one year's salary for every term served, along with a range of other perks.
Among the most controversial aspects of the proposal were requests for the retirees to be given a 3,000cc four-wheel drive vehicle, replaceable every four years, and a fuel allowance equal to 15 per cent of their monthly salary.
The accountants also called for full medical and hospital coverage, including international treatment for both the retiree and their spouse.
High-end benefits
Other high-end benefits requested by ICPAK included a dedicated driver, personal assistant, housekeeper, gardener, cleaner, and two armed security guards.
They also lobbied for diplomatic passports for both the retired Auditor General and their spouse, along with access to VIP airport lounges and maintenance expenses for the vehicle.
However, the National Assembly Finance Committee, chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, rejected the proposal, citing the country's current economic challenges.
"The committee noted that the proposal expands the subject matter of the Bill and has financial implications which are not tenable in the current circumstances," the committee said in its official statement.
While the committee's recommendations can be overturned by a full vote in the National Assembly, such changes are rare, and the committee's position is likely to hold.
Former Auditor General Edward Ouko lamented the lack of retirement benefits, which he described as "thankless".
Ouko, who served from 2011 to 2019, said he received only a one-off gratuity when he retired, with no pension, medical cover, or protection provided.
"There was no pension, no medical cover, no protection," Ouko said, adding that his security was also immediately withdrawn upon retirement.
Ouko further criticised the lack of support for retired auditors, pointing out that the nature of the job left little time for personal economic ventures.
"The job gave me no time to engage in other economic activities," he said in a previous statement before the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, led by former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni.
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