The government has revealed the identity of the people who charged Kenya a total amount of Ksh10 million for the private jet used by President William Ruto in his three-day state visit to the United States.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed in a statement on Thursday May 29, 2024, revealed the identity of the people who President Ruto earlier labelled as “friends” during the National Breakfast Prayer Meeting.
Hussein in his statement revealed that the cost of the jet which Ruto traveled in for the historic US State Visit was offered to Kenya by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at a relatively low cost.
“As explained by the President on Thursday, the cost of the jet he traveled in for the historic and successful US State Visit was offered by friends of Kenya at a relatively low cost. In this specific case, the United Arab Emirates Government offered the aircraft at less than Ksh10 million,” read part of the statement.
Ruto in his earlier statement had disclosed that his friends charged him the amount for the jet while arguing that he is a very responsible steward and could not spend the alleged Ksh200 million- taxpayer’s money on travelling.
State House highlighted that at under Ksh10 million, this was the most efficient and economical way for the Head of State and his delegation to undertake a trip of this magnitude.
“The President continues to lead from the front in implementing austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means. He is encouraged by government ministries, departments, and agencies taking the cue and is on course to ensure Kenya records a balanced budget in three years’ time,” the statement adds.
State House further stated that Kenya operates in the international multilateral arena which makes it a friend, partner, and ally to many countries.
According to Hussein, the country has friends whose interest is to have a secure partner state with which they can trade, invest, and collaborate.
State House affirmed that the private jet offer indicates how nations operate, supporting and partnering with each other for mutual prosperity, while listing plenty of examples to illustrate the cooperation.
Hussein went on to cite a previous instance where the UAE government helped Kenya as a show of friendship when it donated to Kenya six military-grade FENNEC helicopters and three ECUREUIL trainer aircraft.
According to Hussein, the donation included accompanying servicing spares, spare parts, and tools, cumulatively valued at Ksh4 billion.
He further highlighted military equipment that Kenya is set to receive from the United States following Ruto’s State visit All these equipment has been donated to Kenya by her friends.
The Statehouse spokesperson noted that the US is set to donate to Kenya 16 helicopters and 150 Armored Security Vehicles under an agreement signed between Ruto and President Joe Biden.
According to State House, the 150 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles are scheduled for delivery in September 2024.
On the other hand, 8 utility helicopters will be delivered in September 2024 while the other 8 light utility helicopters are set to be delivered by early 2025.
The statement comes after President Ruto revealed about the Ksh10 million jet offer while underscoring that he is at the forefront of implementing austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means.
“When a friend of mine heard that I was going to travel with Kenya Airways, they asked me how much I was willing to pay, and I said I was no paying anything more than Ksh. 20 million. They said bring Ksh 10 million and we will give you the plane,” Ruto said.
“Look at me Kenyans. Look at me again. I must lead at the front. As I tell others to tighten up their belts mine must be where to begin.”
