“Those Without Jobs Are Not Stupid”: Ruto Tells Salaried Kenyans Amid Outcry Over Payslip Deductions

President William Ruto has responded to criticism from Opposition leaders over claims that he has introduced excessive deductions on the payslips of salaried Kenyans.

Speaking during the National Training Authority Graduation on Thursday, October 8, Ruto hit out at those who have turned the payslip debate into a political issue, particularly over calls to restore the dignity of the payslip.

Ruto said salaried Kenyans, including himself, should consider themselves fortunate to have jobs, noting that thousands of other Kenyans have the ability to perform the same roles.

“I want to ask those who are telling us about the dignity of the payslip: we are lucky ones who have jobs, starting with me. The jobs we have, there are a thousand other Kenyans who can do them. It is only that you are lucky to have the jobs. Those who don’t have the jobs are not stupid and not lesser than you,” Ruto said.

The President said the discussion should also consider Kenyans who have benefited from employment opportunities created through government programmes, rather than focusing only on the deductions appearing on workers’ payslips.

Ruto Defends 1.5% Housing Contribution

Ruto specifically defended the 1.5 per cent contribution made by salaried workers towards the Affordable Housing Programme, arguing that the deduction has helped create jobs for other Kenyans.

He said those who have jobs should contribute to creating opportunities for Kenyans who are still looking for employment.

“That is why we said those of us who are fortunate enough to have jobs should contribute 1.5 per cent,” he said.

Also Read: Ruto’s Affordable Housing Plan Faces Funding Challenges as 176 Projects Stall

Ruto pointed to the number of workers involved in the housing programme as an example of what he said the contribution has made possible.

“Today, we have 1.1 million Kenyans in this country working under the Affordable Housing Programme because I have contributed 1.5 per cent of my salary,” he said.

Ruto Turns Payslip Debate to Jobs

The President said the contribution should be viewed in terms of the opportunities it creates for other Kenyans, arguing that the money deducted from employed workers has helped others earn a living.

“Think about the dignity of the 1.1 million Kenyans out there who today can feed their families because you contributed 1.5 per cent of your salary to make it possible for someone else to work and to help lift another Kenyan out of a slum,” Ruto said.

He added that employed Kenyans should not view themselves as more deserving than those without jobs.

Also Read:TSC Responds to Teachers’ Concerns Over Higher PAYE Deductions in June 

“That is the dignity your 1.5 per cent is giving to a fellow Kenyan. That is how we should reason,” he said.

The remarks come as the debate over deductions from workers’ salaries continues to feature prominently in political discussions, with Opposition figures questioning the impact of the levies on employees’ take-home pay.

An aerial view of the newly completed housing blocks at Milimani Estate, representing a major milestone in the government’s push for affordable urban living.PHOTO/ PCS