Ruto’s $300,000 Jet Hire for U.S. Trip Draws Criticism
Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent state visit to the United States has sparked controversy due to the high cost of the luxury jet hired for the trip. The Bombardier 850 Challenger, provided by VistaJet, is set to cost Kenyan taxpayers approximately $300,000 (around KSh 40 million) for each three-month period it is in use, totaling about $1.2 million (KSh 160 million) per year.
This expenditure comes at a time when the Kenyan government has been emphasizing the need to limit spending to free up resources for development. Critics have labeled the move as wasteful, questioning why the President did not use the existing presidential jet. The luxurious Bombardier 850 Challenger features a spacious cabin, leather interior, wireless internet, and a bedroom suite, making it a highly expensive option for official travel.
The choice to hire this jet has raised questions about the procurement process and whether it adhered to proper tendering procedures. The Deputy President’s office, which facilitated the arrangement, defended the decision, citing the need for a reliable aircraft to support the President’s busy travel schedule and strategic foreign policy engagements across Africa.
However, transparency advocates and political opponents argue that the government should prioritize cost-saving measures and utilize existing resources more efficiently. The debate continues as the public and watchdog organizations call for greater accountability in government spending.
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