Kenyan President, DP, Awarded Pay Rise

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto will receive a 3.9% pay rise it has been revealed. The rise follows a cut in their salaries in 2017 as part of cost-saving measures ahead of elections, and an earlier pledge made in 2014 to take a 10% pay cut following criticism of the fact that at the time 62% of the budget was spent on public officials.

The 3.9% rise is unlikely to cover inflation, however, which is expected to exceed 5%. 

According to the Treasury the combined salary for the President and Deputy President will increase to Ksh22.8 million ($225,500), with their allowances rising to Ksh15.2 million ($150,000).

The Treasury is in the process of implementing austerity measures with rising public debt and high unemployment considered the major risks to the economy. However, the economy is projected to grow by around 5.83% this year, according to estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A further boost is expected as the country progresses towards commercial oil exports, targeted for 2022.