President William Ruto has approved the upgrade of Members of County Assemblies’ (MCAs) job groups and pledged to fast-track a contributory pension scheme following a review by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Speaking at the County Assemblies Forum AGM at KICC, Nairobi on Thursday, the President said the re-evaluation of the MCA role had confirmed the need for an upgrade in recognition of their expanded mandate and workload.
“The re-evaluation of the Member of County Assembly role and responsibilities… confirmed that it is necessary to upgrade,” he said. “As the national government, we fully endorse the recommendations of the evaluation, which includes the reclassification of the Office of the MCA from Job Group D4 to Job Group E1… and we are going to make the necessary adjustments so that this can be implemented immediately.”
On retirement benefits, President Ruto backed the establishment of a contributory pension scheme, describing retirement security as a matter of dignity. “Retirement security is not a discretionary privilege; it is a duty of a fair and responsible state to those who serve it. Public service must carry dignity, both in service and after service,” he said.
He disclosed that two outstanding issues were still before Parliament but assured MCAs that they were “within reach” and would soon be resolved.
Under the proposed framework, MCAs will contribute 7.5 per cent of their salary, matched by a 7.5 per cent employer contribution, similar to Members of Parliament. Once finalized, MCAs will qualify for pension benefits after serving two terms.
The President also threw his weight behind the constitutional anchoring of the Ward Development Fund alongside other protected funds to guarantee predictable grassroots financing.
“Predictable and protected ward-level finance is essential to equitable grassroots development,” he said, urging the Forum to work closely with the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary to navigate ongoing legal challenges.
Members of the County Assemblies attending the County Assemblies Forum AGM at KICC, Nairobi on February 19, 2026.PHOTO/PCSOn institutional reforms, President Ruto confirmed that legislation guaranteeing the financial autonomy of county assemblies had already been signed into law.
“The county executive should not control resources of county assemblies,” he stated, adding that the new arrangement would take effect in June with the next budget cycle, allowing assemblies to budget separately from county executives.
He further revealed that the government had agreed with the Kenya Revenue Authority to withdraw ongoing court cases over car grant reimbursements and pursue alternative dispute resolution.
“We will work with you, coordinate with you, and respond to legitimate institutional needs in the interest of the citizens you represent,” President Ruto assured, pledging continued national government support to strengthen county assemblies’ constitutional mandate.
