Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will wield enormous power on the continent if his bid for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson is successful.
According to the AU mandate, the chairperson has 12 statutory roles and receives a monthly salary of Ksh2.4 million (US15,576.75), among other generous benefits.
Notably, if the ODM boss wins the seat, he will become the Union’s CEO, Legal Representative, and Accounting Officer.
The holder of the lucrative post is primarily responsible for the administration and enforcement of the AU.
He will also be tasked with preparing the Union’s budget, which runs to billions of shillings.
On the diplomatic front, the Chairperson is responsible for promoting the AU’s objectives and interests in the global arena.
As a result, the office holder is required to attend a variety of continental engagements, including summits such as the US-Africa Summit and the Italy-Africa Summit, among others.
Raila will chair and set the agenda for the continental body.
He will also determine the Commission’s size and structure, as well as the key appointments to various positions.
If Raila is elected, he will become the recipient of all AU treaties and legal instruments.
“The Chairperson is mandated to facilitate the functioning, decision-making and reporting of all AU organ meetings, and ensure conformity and harmony with agreed AU policies, strategies, programmes and projects.
“Other mandates include consulting and coordinating with Member States’ governments, other institutions and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the AU’s activities, and carry out the AU’s diplomatic representations,” read the AU mandate in part.
However, as chairperson, he will be accountable to the Heads of State and will be required to prepare reports that will assist the leaders in making decisions for the Union and the continent.
Aside from the Ksh2.4 million monthly salary, the AUC Chairperson is entitled to a monthly rental budget of USD6,000 (Ksh933,000), which covers rent and utility payments such as electricity.
On the other hand, if Raila is elected, his wife, Ida, will receive monthly facilitation.
“Retention of the Spouse Allowance of 5 percent of Basic Salary, on the condition that eligible spouse is not receiving remuneration exceeding USD500 (Ksh77,750) per month,” read the remuneration guidelines in part.
Notably, the AU pays full tuition for the Chairperson’s dependent children studying in Africa or any other part of the world besides Europe and North America.
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