Government has implemented an upward adjustment in subsidies for traditional leaders across the country, fulfilling a pledge made earlier by Hakainde Hichilema.
Under the new structure, the four Paramount Chiefs will now receive K18,000, up from K13,000. Senior chiefs will get K16,500, an increase from K11,500, while ordinary chiefs will now receive K15,000, up from K10,000.
Chiefs’ retainers, commonly known as Kapasos, have also benefited significantly, with their allowances rising from K2,500 to K5,500.
The increment follows concerns previously raised by traditional leaders, including Senior Chief Mwamba, who last year lamented that the K11,500 he received was insufficient to meet the demands of running a chiefdom. He noted that chiefs are often expected to support their subjects during funerals and other social obligations.
Senior Chief Mwamba also expressed concern over the declining level of respect accorded to traditional leaders despite their critical role in maintaining order and supporting community welfare.
Responding to such concerns, President Hichilema had, during the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony held in Katete District, promised that chiefs would receive an increment in 2026. Government has now honoured that commitment, with the revised payments effective January 2026.
According to a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, signed by Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Gabriel Pollen, the new subsidy structure has already been implemented.
The letter further indicated that arrears for January and February 2026 were paid together with the March subsidies and wages. Provincial authorities have since been directed to inform all traditional leaders and their retainers about the changes.
Government bribes more chiefs
THis is getting worse
Traditional leaders should live a traditional life style
We may as well call the Kings with the manner they are now treated and kept
The panic is evident. That is what happens when you are given a mandate and fail to work and you realise time is up. Did you not see endorsements just because of palaces built, a ka mbasela has now been put on top. Meanwhile the squalor and poverty in the chiefdoms is way out of this world. After being promised voluntarily that livelyhoods would be changed. Even with drama whilst in opposition before 2021 moving with a ka smallest until of a ka Pamela mealie meal and a ka smallest unit of cooking oil. It has even worsened now, even more widespread now than ever before