William Ruto Backs MCAs Job Group Reclassification in Major Pay Upgrade Plan
President William Ruto has unveiled a major plan that could significantly reshape the earnings and status of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) across Kenya.
Speaking during the annual County Assemblies Forum on Thursday, February 19, Ruto confirmed that the government will support the reclassification of MCAs from job group D4 to E2 — a move aligned with recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The William Ruto MCAs job group reclassification signals a major financial and structural shift that could elevate the standing of county lawmakers nationwide.
Upgrade from D4 to E2: What It Means
Job group D4 is typically reserved for middle-level officers handling moderate managerial duties. In contrast, E2 is a senior classification granted to officers entrusted with higher-level decision-making authority.
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The shift to E2 means MCAs are likely to receive increased salaries, higher allowances, and official recognition reflecting the weight of their responsibilities in county governance.
“Assured them of our full support for the Salaries Remuneration Commission recommendations to reclassify their job groups from D4 to E2,” Ruto stated.
“This reclassification recognises the weight of their responsibilities and the pivotal role they play in strengthening devolution,” he added.
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Current MCA Salaries and Past Demands
At present, MCAs earn a gross monthly salary ranging between Ksh144,375 and Ksh166,588.
However, in 2022, MCAs petitioned for a significant pay increase, pushing for salaries between Ksh400,000 and Ksh500,000 per month — a demand that sparked debate about the public wage bill.
While the new reclassification does not automatically guarantee those figures, it opens the door to upward salary adjustments consistent with the E2 job group.
Pension Scheme Bill Gains Presidential Backing
Beyond salaries, the president pledged support for the County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a mandatory, contributory, and uniform pension scheme for members and staff across all 47 county assemblies.
If passed, the law will entitle MCAs to retirement benefits including pensions and lump-sum payments. The move aims to protect officials from old-age poverty and align their retirement structure with that of Members of Parliament.
“Additionally, I reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill and the Ward Development Fund, both currently before the National Assembly,” Ruto stated.
Ward Development Fund and Infrastructure Push
The government is also backing the Ward Development Fund (WDF), which allocates at least 10 percent of a county’s budget to local projects.
According to Ruto, the fund will prioritise grassroots initiatives in health, water, education, and road infrastructure — sectors critical to improving service delivery at the ward level.
Further, the president urged MCAs to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund. The fund is expected to unlock economic potential by financing large-scale projects including roads, airports, dams, irrigation systems, and electricity connectivity.
Strengthening Devolution
Ruto described MCAs as a vital link between the people and the national government. By reclassifying their job group and strengthening their benefits, the administration hopes to reinforce devolution and enhance accountability at the county level.
The announcement now shifts attention to Parliament and the SRC, where final implementation decisions will be made.
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William Ruto Backs MCAs Job Group Reclassification in Major Pay Upgrade Plan
