Ronald Karauri, former Kenya Airways pilot and billionaire co-founder of Sportpesa, recently shared insights on his financial experience as an elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasarani.
According to Karauri, he has made no profit from his current role, a contrast to his success in aviation and the betting industry, which made him one of Kenya’s most prominent business figures.
Karauri, who entered politics as an independent candidate and won his seat in the 2022 general election, disclosed that the gross monthly salary of a Kenyan MP stands at Ksh725,502.
This income includes a basic salary of Ksh435,301, a house allowance of Ksh150,000, a commuter allowance, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh140,201. Despite this generous pay, he suggests that the cost of supporting constituents has outstripped any personal financial gain.
“In my current job as an MP, I have gained nothing. All I do is give and give. I do not see any benefits [in return],” he noted, adding that his motivation for entering politics was not financial but to bring meaningful change.
Karauri’s wealth was largely amassed through his career as a pilot and his co-founding of Sportpesa, which became Kenya’s most successful betting company before facing regulatory challenges.
Sportpesa generated Ksh12.6 billion in its first five years, solidifying Karauri’s financial success. However, the company later encountered setbacks when the government imposed higher taxes on betting companies and accused Sportpesa of tax evasion.
These allegations ultimately led to the closure of Sportpesa’s Kenyan operations, although the business later re-entered the market under a different structure.
Responding to speculation that his move into politics was aimed at protecting Sportpesa, Karauri refuted the claims, arguing that his business interests had already adapted to Kenya’s regulatory environment.
“We managed to get another company and get Sportpesa up and running,” he stated, explaining that his real motivation for becoming an MP was to advocate for an improved business climate.
He stressed that entrepreneurs and successful businesspeople should not be sidelined by policies favoring politicians alone.
