Security officers assigned to protect senior government and public officials are set to receive a new monthly allowance of KSh45,625 after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) moved to harmonise payments for personal protection duties.
The adjustment, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, will see some officers receive a significant boost from the previous KSh30,000 top-up they were earning for providing continuous security services outside their normal assignments.
The move is expected to address long-standing disparities among security officers performing similar personal protection roles but receiving different allowances depending on their deployments.
SRC said the new uniform rate will apply to government security officers assigned to provide uninterrupted personal security to eligible State and public officers, regardless of their rank or cadre.
The commission said the allowance will only remain in place for the duration of the officer’s deployment and will end once they return to their respective security institutions.
Officers currently earning below KSh45,625 will be adjusted upwards to the new rate, while those already receiving higher allowances will retain their existing payments until the end of their current assignments.
However, the new arrangement excludes officers assigned to protect the President and Deputy President, as well as those working within national security agencies as part of their routine responsibilities.
SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony said public institutions must adopt the approved rate to ensure consistency in compensation for officers undertaking personal security duties.
“The Salary Top-up Allowance shall be paid at the approved uniform rate, irrespective of rank or cadre of the deployed government security officer providing uninterrupted personal safety and security,” the circular stated.
The directive has been sent to various government institutions, including ministries, Parliament, the Judiciary, constitutional commissions, state corporations and county governments for implementation.
The decision comes amid growing attention on the demands placed on security officers who work extended hours while assigned to protect public officials, often away from their regular stations.
For many beneficiaries, the review represents recognition of the additional responsibilities attached to personal protection assignments.
