UAE Offered Plane to Ruto for US Trip at Less Than Sh10M, State House Reveals
State House clarified that the private plane President William Ruto used for his US State visit was provided by the United Arab Emirates government for less than Ksh10 million. The spokesperson, Hussein Mohammed, reiterated President Ruto’s commitment to austerity, emphasized by the President as crucial for Kenya’s long-term sustainability.
The statement highlighted that the jet used for the US State Visit was offered by the United Arab Emirates Government at a cost of less than KSh10 million, as President Ruto had explained earlier in the day during the National Prayer Breakfast. This offer came from friends of Kenya after it was found that chartering a plane would be too costly for taxpayers.
President Ruto shared that when informed of the high cost of chartering a plane, he opted for Kenya Airways. Friends then offered him a plane for no more than Ksh10 million, which he accepted.
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Hussein Mohammed expanded on examples of cooperation between Kenya and other nations, particularly the UAE. He noted the UAE’s donation of military-grade FENNEC helicopters and ECUREUIL trainer aircraft in 2018, valued at Kshs 4 billion. Additionally, he mentioned the recent donation from the USA, including 16 helicopters and 150 Armoured Security Vehicles under a bilateral agreement.
Clarifying the delivery timeline, Hussein stated that eight utility helicopters would be delivered in September 2024, with the remaining eight following in early 2025.
He also mentioned Kenya’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts, such as sending troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Kenya’s expense, underscoring the mutually beneficial relationships Kenya has with other nations.
Hussein emphasized the importance of these alliances, stating that Kenya’s friends seek a secure partner state for trade, investment, and collaboration. He referenced Kenya’s military involvement in stabilizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, demonstrating the country’s commitment to regional stability.
UAE Offered Plane to Ruto for US Trip at Less Than Sh10M, State House Reveals