Regional commissioners are integral to National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), working under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
RCs replaced provincial commissioners after the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010.
There are eight regional commissioners throughout the country for regions; Nairobi, Rift Valley, Western, Eastern, Central, North Eastern, Coast, and Nyanza.
The RC’s work of coordinating security services is demanding and challenging, especially those serving regions with high crime and conflict-prone communities.
Former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya, who is serving as the governor for Trans-Nzoia county, divulged on national television the frustrations he encountered, the main reason he left the position for politics.
Given their nature of work, regional heads receive deserving salaries and allowances as highlighted below:
Regional Commissioner Salary
Generally, the salaries of Regional Commissioners are determined by their job group, which takes into account a variety of factors, such as their qualifications, experience, and job responsibilities.
These job groups are created by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and range from A to T. (see below)
| Group | Basic monthly salary in KES |
| A | 13,280 |
| B | 13,530 |
| C | 13,830 |
| D | 14,610 |
| E | 15,670 |
| F | 16,890 |
| G | 21,500 |
| H | 24,580 |
| J | 30,170 |
| K | 37,070 |
| L | 41,770 |
| M | 47,780 |
| N | 55,150 |
| P | 85,110 |
| Q | 98,500 |
| R | 119,730 |
| S | 132,000 |
| T | 166,780 |
A Regional Commissioner in the job groups R, S, T can earn from KES 120, 000 up to KES. 650,000.
Allowances
In addition to their basic salary, Regional Commissioners are also entitled to various allowances, which may vary depending on their location and assigned duties.
These allowances can include a house allowance, hardship allowance, per diem, and a monthly commuter allowance, among others.
Commissioners may also be eligible for additional allowances, such as disability or special allowances, depending on their circumstances.
If a Regional Commissioner falls in the job groups R, S, or T (that I mentioned above), here are some of the allowances that he/she is entitled to:
• House Allowance: KES 50,000-80,000+ (Depending on location or clusters (1-4))
• Hardship allowance: KES. 38,100-60,000
• Per Diem: KES 14,000-22,000 (depending on the location or clusters)
• Leave allowance: Given once in a year
- Filed Service allowance: From KES 8000
• Monthly commuter allowance: KES 3000-25000 depending on the job group.
• Disability Allowance: If the commissioner is disabled
• Special allowance: For commissioners working in special areas.
NOTE:
It is important to note that while these allowances can significantly boost a Regional Commissioner’s salary, they are not always guaranteed and may be subject to change based on factors such as location, job responsibilities, and the needs of the county.
Education Qualifications of a Regional Commissioner
To qualify for the regional commissioner post, one must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science or,
- Equal qualification from a recognized Kenyan institution.
Roles of Regional Commissioners in Kenya
As an integral part of NGAOs, these are the roles played by regional commissioners across the country:
- Deploy and implement security strategies in conflicting communities, including spearheading peaceful meetings to find solutions.
- They dispose of the state’s land and properties.
- Act as government spokesperson on reporting the commencement and progress of government projects to Kenyan citizens.
- Transfer cases between courts.
- Maintain a positive image of the Kenyan government in their areas of jurisdiction, thus promoting nationhood.
- Maintain law and order
- Spearheading initiatives that fight drug abuse among locals
Who Appoints Regional Commissioners in Kenya?
The minister of Interior and Coordination appoints regional commissioners.
The minister can also fire or reshuffle regional commissioners when necessary.
For instance, Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki recently recalled all regional heads to reorganize the regional administration structure in the wake of security reinforcement in fighting banditry.
Regional leaders are appointed contractually; the contract renewal depends on their performance.
Current Regional Commissioners in Kenya
- Katee Mwanza (Nairobi)
- Rhoda Onyancha (Coast)
- Flora Mworoa (Nyanza)
- Fredrick Shisia (Central)
- Abdi Hassan (Rift Valley)
- Samson Irungu (Western)
- Paul Rotich (Eastern)
- John Otieno (North Eastern)
What about their immediate juniors–County Commissioners? How much do county commissioners earn in Kenya? Well, check here: County Commissioner Salary in Kenya
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