President Ruto Ranked Highest Earning President Worldwide Per GDP Ratio

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 Ranked Highest Earning President Worldwide Per GDP Ratio

How Other World Leaders Compare

Lawrence Wong (Singapore)

New Prime Minister, earning Ksh217.7 million annually (USD 1.69 million).
His salary is about 1,158% of Singapore’s GDP per capita.
Wong is the highest-paid leader in terms of total earnings.

Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania)

Tanzanian President’s salary is 1,087% of the country’s GDP per capita.

Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)

South African President’s pay is 1,053% of the country’s GDP per capita.

Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana)

Ghanaian President’s earnings amount to 651% of Ghana’s GDP per capita.

Rising Concerns Over Salary Increases

In June 2024, SRC’s decision to raise salaries for state officers, including the President’s, sparked debate in Kenya. Many Kenyans voiced concerns about the income gap between high earners and average citizens.

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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