Religious groups call for cancellation of car benefits granted to judges
Religious and Civil Society groups have called for the review and possible cancellation of car benefits granted to judges.
Religious and Civil Society groups have called for the review and possible cancellation of car benefits granted to judges.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, the organisations questioned the justification of the car benefits, alleging that they are burdening Kenyan taxpayers.
According to the societies, Judges cr benefits add up to a Ksh 10 million vehicle grant, which translates to about Ksh2.3 billion before tax and Ksh1.61 billion after tax within a period of four years.
“Our analysis estimates that a Ksh10 million vehicle grant for each of the judicial positions covered by the available figures would amount to approximately Ksh2.3 billion before tax, or Ksh1.61 billion after tax, every four years,” the statement read in part.
They argue that this grant is channelled towards private vehicle use while, at the same time, the judges have access to an official car with a driver paid by the government, raising questions over the justification of the millions in grants.
“Our analysis also indicates that judges have access to official chauffeur-driven transport, while the disputed grant is intended for private vehicle use. This raises legitimate questions about the justification, proportionality, and overall cost of the benefit alongside existing transport arrangements,” the statement added.
While maintaining that the grant is lawful, the groups want the Supreme Court to determine whether it is equitable and defensible to citizens who finance the State while struggling to meet their basic needs.
The groups argue that this money could instead support hospitals, schools, essential medicines, water projects and agricultural programmes as well as other essential services.
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“It is money that could otherwise contribute to frontline health services, school infrastructure, essential medicines, water, agricultural support, and other public priorities. Every shilling committed to a public benefit carries an opportunity cost for the country,” they said.
They want the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) also to determine fiscal sustainability, attraction and retention of skills, performance and transparency of the benefits.
Besides the judiciary, the church is also demanding that all public institutions justify their expenditure and ensure their benefits have a lawful basis.
The dispute over judges’ car benefits has previously been heard in court. In May 2024, the court ruled that the taxable car allowance was a protected benefit under Article 160(4) of the Constitution and could not be withdrawn to judges’ disadvantage.
The Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed an appeal by the SRC in March, 2026, upholding the protection of the benefit.
The latest demands by religious leaders and civil society groups raise fresh questions about public spending and the balance between judicial independence and accountability.
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