President William Ruto is one of Kenya’s top politicians who was brought up in a humble background in his early years, but that did not stop him from becoming the country’s top leader decades later.
Ruto, who for many times labeled himself a hustler, not privileged like some of his political colleagues, attributes his success to hard work from an early age. For instance, due to hardships in his home, he took a job immediately after completing his school education.
It was this job that gave him his first payment, which was not very much but somehow helped him cater for his needs then.
Times Digital Kenya explores Ruto’s first job, which he did not know would precede his rise to become the country’s head of state.
Ruto’s First Job After Secondary School
Having grown up in a humble background, William Ruto actually got his first shoes when he joined secondary school. After completing his secondary education, Ruto did not hesitate but looked for a job given the situation at his home.
He undertook his secondary school education at Wareng High School in Eldoret Town, a place that remains in his memory to date. This is because the town is where he not only received his secondary education but also got his first job immediately after Form Four.
According to Ruto, speaking in Eldoret, he revealed that he was employed as a clerk at Kapng’etuny Farm for the late Paul Boit. William Ruto, a young man then, had less experience in the position but grabbed the opportunity as it was his first-ever paying job.
Ruto further recalled that his first salary from the job was Shs 300, part of which he used to buy a pair of jeans.
“In October 1984, I worked for the first time as a clerk after Form Four at Kapng’etuny Farm for the late Paul Boit. He paid me Shs 300, which was my first wage. I then went to Eldoret town and bought for myself a pair of jeans worth Shs 137. It was my first time to walk into a shop, and I still remember to date,” President William Ruto recalled while speaking in Eldoret in the recent past.
Other jobs
Thereafter, Ruto joined the University of Nairobi, where he earned a BSc in Botany and Zoology. After completing his higher education, he worked temporarily as a teacher, with stints at Sirgoi Secondary School and Kamagut Secondary School.
After just a few years in teaching, William Ruto left for politics and joined the Youth for KANU ’92 (YK’92) group. This marked the beginning of his political career, which saw him serve as a Member of Parliament for Eldoret for over 10 years, as well as a Cabinet minister in the grand coalition government.
He reached greater political heights as Deputy President under President Uhuru Kenyatta and later as President, a position he is now serving in his first term.
