Million dollar high-flying luxury: Kenya's 'hustler-in-chief' wings to US

Presidential planes are among the perks of holding a country's top post, other than residing in opulent official residences, 24-hour top-notch personal security, state dinners, and other diplomatic privileges. 

While many will argue that they deserve such privileges, which is factual and offers a small room for argument, how African leaders use the perks to their advantage can serve as a manual on how power is wielded—and often abused.

In Kenya, the current office holder, President William Ruto, uses an official presidential jet, which is a Fokker 70 ER acquired in 1995 and operated by the Kenya Air Force, to travel around the world. Despite criticism for his tours, Ruto has always argued that he travels abroad to seek opportunities for jobless Kenyans or extend Kenya's diplomatic ties with other nations. 

However, he is known for his opulence. 

Boeing 737-700 BBJ

On Sunday evening, the Kenyan leader, who rose to prominence as the East African nation's "hustler-in-chief," capitalising on his religious faith and humble origins described by selling chicken by the roadside, departed Nairobi for a State Visit in the United States at the invitation of President Joe Biden.

Interestingly, he opted not to board his official presidential jet, typically identified by the KAF 308 tail. He instead opted for a Boeing 737-700 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet), notably larger than the Fokker 70 ER (Extended Range) typically used by the Kenyan President.

The Eastleigh Voice reached out to a press attaché from the American Embassy in Nairobi, who clarified that the American government did not cover the chartering bills.

"We did not pay for the plane," the American diplomat stated. 

Provided by Royal Jet, a company under the Abu Dhabi government, this magnificent aircraft bears the tail number A6-RJU and is headed by royal family member Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

It boasts 23 VVIP seats, a mid-section lounge area, a master ensuite bedroom with a queen-sized bed, shower facilities, and broadband Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the President to browse and tweet while in flight.

During his journey over the North Atlantic Ocean from Spain, where he made a brief stop for refuelling at Santiago de Compostela Airport, Ruto expressed his condolences for Iranian leader Ebrahim Raisi, describing him as a "fearless leader and dedicated public servant." Raisi was confirmed dead by state media on Monday morning after a helicopter he was travelling in alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others crashed in foggy conditions in the country's remote northwest on Sunday.

State House Presidential Communication Service Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam explained to The Eastleigh Voice why President Ruto didn't use his official jet.

"The presidential jet cannot do the American route. This means it will stop five times to refuel," he explained, adding that the plane serves the purpose of flying to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as always since it was bought in the 90s.

But who pays for all this flying flair? Kenyan taxpayers do. 

A6-RJU royal jet (Photo: Courtesy)

More Pressing Issues

Despite more pressing issues such as the renovation of schools, roads, and hospitals that suffered a blow during the recent flooding in the country, the comfort of the president and first lady took precedence. 

The rate for hiring the Boeing Business Jet is $18,000 per hour of flying, approximately equivalent to Sh2,358,000. 

The flight duration from Nairobi to Atlanta is approximately 19 hours, which means it would cost the Kenyan taxpayer roughly Sh71,404,500 for Ruto's trip to Atlanta alone.

The flight from Atlanta to Washington, DC, is roughly over one hour, including time spent at the airport. Waiting costs are typically included in the overall hiring cost of the jet. 

While this isn't the first time the Kenyan President has utilised a private jet for official business abroad, it marks the debut of chartering a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) during Ruto's presidency.

Previously, he flew on a luxurious Vista Jet to West and Central African countries, including Nigeria, Congo, Gabon, and Ghana, in May 2013. 

However, this trip stirred controversy with claims that it cost taxpayers around Sh100 million.

It is rumoured that in January 2024, a government-wide budget cut by the Kenya Kwanza administration saw the Kenya Air Force budget reduced to less than Sh1 billion for the six months ending in July 2024. 

This budget was supposed to cater for the military's combat aviation costs, support for civilian authorities and VIP flights.

If the Kenyan taxpayers aren't footing the bill for Ruto's jet hire, then the aircraft in question may be speculated to be a gift from an external source, which often comes with geopolitical implications that could potentially tighten like a hangman's noose. 

In this case, Washington has extended an invitation to Ruto for a state visit, which typically entails the host covering certain costs, including accommodation and logistical expenses, once the visitor sets foot on their soil.

However, a press attaché from the American Embassy in Nairobi already distanced the American government from sponsoring Ruto's flight. 

President William Ruto flies out to the US for a State Visit on Monday, May 20, 2024, aboard an A6-RJU royal jet (Photo: X)