William Ruto's Monthly Salary, Benefits Compared to Tanzania's Samia Suluhu
- President William Ruto is among the highest-paid African leaders, as he is paid a gross salary of KSh 1.44 million monthly
- The UDA leader's monthly pay, exclusive of other allowances, dwarfs that of his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu
- Some Tanzanians argue that their president's salary is excessively high, even though it is lower than that of Ruto
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers profound insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
African politicians are typically wealthy and fiercely compete for high positions, drawn by the lucrative salaries, substantial bonuses, and generous benefits that enable an extravagant lifestyle.
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The majority of leaders receive annual compensation that is far greater than either the average salary or the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of their country.
A report by Business Insider Africa indicated that the Kenyan president is among the highest-paid in Africa.
What is William Ruto's monthly salary?
The gross income of the Kenyan president is KSh 1.44 million per month, or KSh 17.28 million yearly, according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The SRC's gazette notice in August 2023 revealed the remuneration and benefits for state officers in the executive of the national government under the third remuneration and benefits review cycle that covers financial years (FY) 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
SRC's notice showed that President William Ruto earns a basic salary of KSh 866,250, a house allowance of KSh 350,000 and a salary market adjustment of KSh 227,500.
Ruto receives KSh 1 million more in salary than some of the leaders of the nations that make up the East African Community (EAC).
Other benefits enjoyed by Ruto:
- Official transport.
- His medical benefits include inpatient: KSh 10 million, outpatient: KSh 300,000, dental: KSh 75,000 and optical: KSh 75,000.
- Official residence.
- Annual leave allowance of KSh 50,000.
- Airtime allowance of KSh 20,000.
- Security.
How much does Samia Suluhu earn?
According to Al Jazeera, the Tanzanian president earns $4,008 (KSh 518,034) at the current exchange rate monthly.
Source: Getty Images
However, some Tanzanians argue that the president's salary is excessively high, even though it is lower than that of Ruto.
"The government gives everything to the president: free house, free cars, and free school expenses for her kids. She is erroneous if she believes that the wage is insufficient or modest," a taxi driver lamented.
Besides the salary, Samia Suluhu receives allowances, benefits, and perks such as housing, transport, security, and other official expenses covered by the government.
Her salary is modest compared to some other African heads of state who are paid millions monthly.
Samia Suluhu succeeded the late John Pombe Magufuli as president in March 2021, following his death.
She made history as Tanzania's first female president. She will defend her seat in the November 2025 General Election.
Why Kenyans and Tanzanians are engaged in an online war
As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, the recent arrest and deportation of Kenyan activists sparked a minor diplomatic spat between Tanzania and Kenya.
Because of the stability and progress of various industries, one nation has frequently viewed the other as inferior.
The latest online war came after Suluhu argued she would do all she could to protect the country's sovereignty.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
