By Isaac Salima:
The government has allocated K4.15 billion to the office of Second Vice-President Enock Chihana in the 2026-27 financial year, a development some accountability experts have described as “a waste of resources”.
From the amount, K4 billion is meant for Other Recurrent Transactions while K150 million is for personal emoluments.
Spokesperson for the office Dave Gadama confirmed the development, saying the funds would enable the country’s third-in-command to fulfill some of his office’s duties.
“Apart from assignments delegated to the Second Vice President by the Head of State from time to time, you are also aware that the Right Honourable [Chihana] is championing the Mombera University Project under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, as delegated by the President [Peter Mutharika]. He will continue in coordinating [with] stakeholders until the project is ultimately lies with the President, who determines its mandate and level of engagement. Without a demonstrable mandate, measurable outputs and visible public value, a K4.15 billion allocation is difficult to justify. Public funds must follow function, performance and impact—not mere office.
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“An office benefits Malawians only if it delivers clear, tangible results tied to national priorities. Where the mandate is vague or underutilised, the benefit becomes nominal while the cost remains real. The standard must be uncompromising: clear responsibility, visible outcomes and full accountability. Anything less turns the office into a cost centre rather than a vehicle for public value,” Kondowe said.
The establishment of the Office of the Second Vice-President attracted public debate, with some questioning its relevance.
The Office of the Second Vice- President has no specific roles as it is a delegated one by the Head of State and Government.
Until recently, the country has been having the State Vice- President only, a position now held by Mutharika’s running mate Ansah.
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The position of Second Vice-President was last held by Chihana’s father, Chakufwa, during the United Democratic Front era between 1994 and 2004.
The Second Vice-President is entitled to salaries and benefits almost similar to those of the State Vice-President.
Currently, the Constitution is silent on the benefits to the office.
Among other things, the First Vice-President enjoys tax-free salary equal to two-thirds of the President’s salary, free house, free food, free water, free electricity, free guest houses in Blantyre and Mzuzu, free medical services and physician on call.
The veep also has medical insurance for the spouse and children under the age of 18 years, three motorcars, motorcade escort by the Malawi Police Service, duty-free importation of up to two personal motor vehicles every five years, duty-free importation of other items for personal use.
Recently, the country announced austerity measures aimed at controlling expenditure.
Last week, Mutharika delegated Transport Minister Jappie Mhango during the burial of University of Livingstonia vice chancellor Timothy Nyasulu.
Chihana was also in attendance at the event, a move that attracted debate on social media.
Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi said the decision was part of efforts to implement austerity measures, adding that resources that the Second Vice-President could have used, if delegated, could be more than what the minister used.
