Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has addressed concerns raised by Kenyans regarding the cost of flying President William Ruto to the United States for his state visit.
Speaking during a meeting in Nakuru, Mwaura emphasized that critics should focus on the potential benefits of the trip rather than the expense, which is estimated to cost taxpayers over Ksh200 million.
Mwaura argued that the benefits Kenya would gain from the trip would far exceed the costs incurred. He highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that Ruto is the first African president to be hosted on a state visit by President Joe Biden.
“The president has gone to look for things to benefit the country and you are asking how much the fare is. He is even going to come back with more money than has been used for the plane,” Mwaura stated.
He also dismissed concerns about the expenditure as being detrimental to national interests.
“Don’t those people (people asking about the costs) hate Kenya? He is the first African President to be called for a State Visit by President Joe Biden,” he added. However, Mwaura did not confirm if the government was funding the trip.
Earlier reports had suggested that the US might be funding the costs of the plane due to the nature of the visit, but the US Embassy dismissed these claims. Unlike previous visits, Ruto chose to travel on a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet provided by Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet, which charges approximately Ksh2.4 million per hour. The government has not provided an explanation as to why the presidential jet, a Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) acquired during former President Daniel Moi’s tenure, was not used.
In recent months, there have been discussions among Kenyan leaders about the need to acquire a new jet for the president. The debate over the costs of Ruto’s trip reflects broader concerns about government spending and fiscal responsibility amidst economic challenges faced by the country.
