Kenyan President William Ruto Among Highest-Paid Leaders Globally
New data shows that President William Ruto of Kenya is one of the highest-paid presidents in the world, especially when compared to Kenya’s economy.
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How President Ruto’s Salary Stands Out
- In June 2023, Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) raised the President’s salary.
- His monthly pay increased from Ksh1,443,750 to Ksh1,650,000.
- Annually, this totals Ksh19.8 million.
This figure may seem modest next to the earnings of leaders in wealthier countries, but relative to Kenya’s economy, it’s exceptionally high.
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Comparing Salary to Kenya’s Economy
- Kenya’s GDP per capita in 2023 was Ksh811,615.
- President Ruto’s annual salary is almost 2,000% of the country’s GDP per capita.
This places him first among world leaders in terms of salary as a percentage of the nation’s economic output.
President Ruto responded by acknowledging these concerns:
“The President has emphasized that this is a time, more than ever before, for the executive and all arms of government to live within their means,” said State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed.
This statement reflects the President’s awareness of the economic disparity and his intent to consider the broader economic climate in policy decisions.
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