US Govt Denies Funding President Ruto’s Jet to America
President William Ruto’s administration is embroiled in controversy after reports indicated that his chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet for a four-day tour will cost taxpayers nearly Ksh200 million for his state visit to the United States, prompting the US to clarify its stance amidst the growing scandal.
This controversy arises as the government advocates for cost-cutting measures across various sectors and proposes eliminating budgets for some agencies in the Financial Year 2024/2025 budget.
The luxurious charter, provided by the Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet, charges $18,000 (Ksh2.4 million) per hour. The cost of a one-way flight from Nairobi to Atlanta was quoted at $748,600 (Ksh98 million) for the 18-hour journey. Including the return trip and additional flights, the total expense exceeds Ksh200 million, as reported by The Standard on Tuesday.
Hiring a Boeing Business Jet typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 per hour, translating to approximately Ksh1.58 million to Ksh2.63 million at current exchange rates, with prices varying based on stops and trip duration.
Amid initial rumors, the US Embassy in Nairobi clarified that the United States did not finance President Ruto’s flight. “Just to be clear: The United States of America did not pay for President Ruto’s jet to the US,” stated an embassy spokesperson.
This visit is the first state visit to the United States by an African president in 15 years. President Ruto chose the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) over his official Fokker 70ER due to its range limitations.
Unlike his predecessor, President Uhuru Kenyatta, who flew commercially with Kenya Airways in 2019, Ruto opted for a more luxurious option for his journey.
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This decision has sparked criticism, especially given that a Kenya Airways flight to New York departed just two hours after Ruto’s plane. A business class ticket on that flight would have cost between Ksh123,000 and Ksh234,000 but would have required a connecting flight to Atlanta. The logistical and security requirements of a state visit made this option less viable.
Ruto’s opulent flight involved a 17-hour journey cruising at 34,000 feet in a $100 million (Ksh13 billion) aircraft.
The BBJ, designed by Edese Doret, offers exceptional luxury, far surpassing commercial first-class experiences. The hourly cost of the jet ranges from $12,000 (Ksh1.6 million) to $18,000 (Ksh2.4 million), making the round trip from Nairobi to Atlanta and back potentially cost Ksh86.4 million at the high end.
Additionally, flying the plane from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi and back increased the expense. Each five-hour leg of this journey cost between Ksh8 million and Ksh10 million. The jet left Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning, arriving in Nairobi by early afternoon, awaiting Ruto’s departure.
The plane is also scheduled to make fueling stops in Spain, further adding to the total cost of hiring the plane.
The BBJ features a living room, dining area, and a lounge with eight plush leather seats that can recline into flatbeds, two marble tables, and privacy partitions. Another section includes eight more flatbed-capable seats and 18 premium seats for the entourage, although the plane can typically accommodate up to 150 passengers.
US Govt Denies Funding President Ruto’s Jet to America