The Government has increased subsidies for traditional leaders and wages for their retainers following the implementation of a presidential directive.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development’s Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, says the upward adjustment takes effect from January 2026.
Dr. Pollen says the decision follows an announcement made by President Hakainde Hichilema during the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete District, Eastern Province, in August 2025.
He says the Government has now implemented the directive, resulting in revised monthly payments for Paramount Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, Chiefs, and retainers.
Dr. Pollen says under the new structure, Paramount Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, and Chiefs each receive an increase of K5,000, while retainers receive an increase of K3,000.
With these changes, the current subsidies and wages are now K18,000 for Paramount Chiefs, K16,500 for Senior Chiefs, K15,000 for Chiefs, and K5,500 for retainers.
He says outstanding arrears for January and February 2026 have already been paid together with March subsidies and wages.
The Ministry has since directed provincial administration offices to inform all traditional leaders and retainers under their jurisdiction of the new arrangements.
By Best Jere
