President Ruto has defended his decision to charter a private jet for his United States State Visit, insisting it was cheaper than using KQ, the national carrier.
While the President did not disclose the actual cost incurred to hire the Boeing 737-700 jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai, it is estimated that the trip cost upwards of Ksh. 200M (approximately $1.5M).
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns about my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources, and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means, the cost was less than traveling on KQ,”
President Ruto (Via X.com)
Costs vs. Benefits
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura downplayed questions about the cost of hiring the private jet, emphasizing that the benefits of the trip outweighed the cost of the jet.
“The President has secured close to Sh.1 trillion in benefits. He has gone there as the elder of this Kenyan village, and you are asking about the fare. The benefits he will bring back are a million times the fare,” Mwaura said.
Ruto Accused of Forgetting His Austerity Measures
However, opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, questioned Ruto’s decision to hire a luxury jet amidst the government’s push to cut costs, even as the government increases taxes for Kenyan taxpayers.
“It doesn’t matter what Ruto will bring back to this country. Sh.200 million is pure wastage,” Kalonzo lamented.
Musyoka added that the Sh.200 million could have helped Kenyan “hustlers” who are struggling to even afford a meal.
Cost of Hiring the Business Jet
A visit to the Royal Jet website shows that it costs about Sh.2.4 million ($15,000) per hour to hire the Boeing 737-700.
A one-way trip to the US would cost about Sh.98 million. Considering that the President used the jet for a round trip to the United States, including travel from Atlanta to Washington DC, the total cost could reach Sh.200 million or more.
Public Outrage
The high cost of the trip has left many Kenyans outraged, with some leaders questioning Ruto’s commitment to austerity measures.
He is on record asking public servants and striking doctors to live within their means while he enjoys the comfort of a private jet.