As the dust settles on a turbulent 2025, the ledger of power in Kenya has been rewritten. But while political fortunes have shifted, the cost of maintaining the nation’s top leadership remains a burning question for the taxpayer. In a year defined by economic recovery efforts and fierce political infighting, the gap between the rulers and the ruled has never felt wider.

The influence of Kenya’s top decision-makers is undeniable, but what does that influence cost the mwananchi? From the presidency to the corporate boardrooms lighting up the nation, we analyze the compensation packages of the figures who shaped 2025, set against the backdrop of an economy still finding its footing.

The Executive: The Cost of the Presidency

Despite a year rocked by anti-government protests and fiscal tightening, President William Ruto maintained a firm grip on the state machinery. According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) gazetted structures, the President’s gross monthly remuneration stands at approximately KES 1,443,750. This figure, however, is merely the tip of the iceberg.

The President’s package includes substantial allowances that cushion the Head of State from the very economic shocks facing the average Kenyan:

• House Allowance: KES 350,000 monthly.
• Market Adjustment: KES 227,500 monthly.
• Commuter Allowance: Provided as official transport.

While proposals to hike these figures were floated in mid-2025, they faced stiff resistance following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, forcing the executive to maintain the status quo in a nod to austerity.

The New Number Two: Kithure Kindiki

2025 saw the dramatic rise of Kithure Kindiki to the Deputy Presidency following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki, formerly the Interior CS, stepped into a role that commands a gross monthly salary of approximately KES 1,227,188.

Kindiki’s ascension marks a significant shift in the executive’s composition. His package includes a KES 300,000 house allowance and a KES 190,875 market adjustment. For a Kenyan earning the minimum wage, it would take over a decade to earn what the Deputy President takes home in a single month.

The Corporate Turnaround: Joseph Siror

Outside the political arena, few figures were as consequential as Kenya Power CEO Joseph Siror. Tasked with keeping the lights on and the balance sheet healthy, Siror oversaw a critical turnaround for the utility giant as electricity demand surged countrywide.

According to Kenya Power’s financial reports for the year ending June 2025, the CEO’s total annual compensation rose to KES 24.14 million (approx. KES 2 million per month). This package, which includes a basic salary of roughly KES 17.37 million annually, reflects a performance-based increase driven by the company’s return to profitability.

The Voice from the Cold: Rigathi Gachagua

While the current leadership enjoys the trappings of power, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains a potent, albeit unpaid, political force. Stripped of his state salary and allowances, Gachagua used his New Year message to launch a scathing attack on the administration.

In a statement cited by TUKO.co.ke, Gachagua described the current administration as a "trustless regime," signaling that while he may be off the payroll, he intends to remain a costly thorn in the government’s side politically. As 2026 begins, the contrast between the well-compensated incumbents and their vocal critics sets the stage for a high-stakes year ahead.