Maurice Makamba
Kenyan President William Ruto said Thursday the cost of hiring a private jet for his state visit to the U.S. last week was $76,000 as opposed to the $1.2 million reported by Kenyan media outlets.
The Kenya’s President says his chartered jet for his recent trip to the United States of America cost taxpayers less than Ksh10 million ($77,000) after some “friends of Kenya” co-sponsored the trip when he offered to travel on the national carrier Kenya Airways.
Ruto explained that he was offered a more affordable private jet by friends after inquiring and also suggested traveling via the state carrier, Kenya Airways. He did not disclose the identity of the friends.
During his recent four-day trip to the U.S., President Joe Bid
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“People have given all manner of figures…that the plane cost Sh200 million because the President needed to arrive in style holding Rachel’s hand. You know I’m a very responsible citizen, believe me, there is no way I can spend Sh200 million. In fact, let me disclose here that it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Sh10 million,” he said.en commended him for his “bold leadership.”
Ruto’s entourage of approximately 30 individuals, including musicians, actors, and a comedian, sparked controversy in Kenya due to the expenses involved, despite his calls for careful spending. The president emphasized his responsible stewardship.
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Previously, Ruto claimed that using the private jet was more cost-effective than flying with Kenya Airways, although he did not provide evidence to support this statement.
Ruto has been advocating for reduced government spending following public criticism of his administration for raising taxes without cutting expenditures.
The government is planning to increase taxes on essential goods in the upcoming financial year while aiming to secure an additional $2.3 billion to fund the budget.
In May, Ruto defended the new taxes, stating, “I refuse to lead a nation in financial distress. We must reduce our expenses.”
