President William Ruto’s advisory team is drawing significant attention due to their substantial salaries, with some earning up to Ksh1 million per month—comparable to Cabinet Secretaries. Documents presented in Parliament reveal that the six advisory units will collectively cost taxpayers Ksh1.14 billion in the upcoming 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking an increase from Ksh977 million in the current year .

Among the prominent figures benefiting from this allocation are Dr. David Ndii, former Treasury CS Henry Rotich, and Dr. Monica Juma. Dr. Ndii’s Council of Economic Advisors has been allocated Ksh194.5 million, with Ksh88 million designated for travel expenses, Ksh23 million for entertainment, and Ksh9.4 million for communication costs . Dr. Augustine Cheruiyot’s Economic Transformation Secretariat is set to receive Ksh239.4 million .

This significant expenditure has sparked public debate, especially as the government aims to reduce unnecessary spending. Critics question the necessity of such high salaries for advisors, while supporters argue that their expertise is crucial for informed decision-making.

In response to the criticism, Dr. Ndii defended the budget, likening the advisory team to a “small university” and suggesting that even perceived waste can contribute to economic growth . The government’s justification centers on the need for specialized knowledge to navigate complex national issues.