Kenyans React as Ruto Calls on a Mathematics Teacher and Asks Her to Do This in Public

President William Ruto attracted attention during his address to education stakeholders after inviting a mathematics teacher to help him explain how the proposed tax changes would affect teachers’ monthly take-home salaries.

The moment occurred on Thursday, November 12, during the official opening of the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) meeting in Mombasa.

While explaining the government’s proposed Pay As You Earn (PAYE) adjustments, Ruto turned to a mathematics teacher and asked him to assist in working out the figures to demonstrate the financial impact of the proposed changes.

The President used the example of an employee earning KSh50,000 per month to explain why he believes the proposed tax relief would benefit salaried workers despite the existing Affordable Housing Levy.

According to Ruto, the government intends to increase the monthly tax-free income threshold from KSh24,000 to approximately KSh32,000.

He explained that the additional KSh8,000 exemption would translate into approximately KSh2,000 in monthly tax savings for workers in the relevant tax bracket.

Using the same example, Ruto noted that a teacher earning KSh50,000 would contribute KSh750 towards the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy but benefit from KSh2,000 in PAYE savings.

This would leave the employee with an estimated additional KSh1,250 in monthly disposable income.

The President defended the proposed changes, arguing that the government was determined to put more money into the pockets of ordinary Kenyans.

The announcement comes amid growing public debate over taxation and the impact of statutory deductions on workers’ salaries.

The video of the exchange has also drawn attention on social media, with the moment being shared on Facebook.

However, the proposed PAYE changes must undergo the necessary legislative processes before they can be implemented. Teachers and other salaried workers will therefore be watching closely to see whether the promised relief eventually reflects in their payslips.

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