By Peter Halima
Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto is among the highest-paid African leaders, earning a gross monthly salary of KSh 1.44 million, according to Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). This figure, exclusive of allowances and other benefits, significantly surpasses the compensation of his Tanzanian counterpart, President Samia Suluhu.
A report by Business Insider Africa highlighted Ruto’s substantial earnings, which translate to KSh 17.28 million annually. The SRC’s gazette notice in August 2023, detailing the remuneration and benefits for state officers, revealed that Ruto’s monthly package includes a basic salary of KSh 866,250, a house allowance of KSh 350,000, and a salary market adjustment of KSh 227,500.
Beyond the base salary, Ruto enjoys a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Official transportation and residence
- Medical benefits: inpatient cover of KSh 10 million, outpatient cover of KSh 300,000, and KSh 75,000 each for dental and optical care.
- Annual leave allowance of KSh 50,000
- Airtime allowance of KSh 20,000
- Comprehensive security provisions
In contrast, President Suluhu earns $4,008 (approximately KSh 518,034 at the current exchange rate) per month, according to Al Jazeera. While significantly lower than Ruto’s compensation, some Tanzanians still consider her salary excessive, given the various benefits and perks she receives.
“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,” lamented one Tanzanian taxi driver.
Indeed, Suluhu also benefits from government-provided housing, transportation, security, and other official expenses. However, her overall compensation remains modest compared to some other African heads of state who reportedly earn millions monthly.
The disparity in presidential salaries highlights the broader trend of high compensation for African politicians, a factor that often fuels fierce competition for high-ranking positions. These positions come with lucrative salaries, substantial bonuses, and generous benefits, enabling an extravagant lifestyle.
Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu made history in March 2021 as the country’s first female president, succeeding the late John Pombe Magufuli. She is slated to defend her seat in the November 2025 General Election.
