Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended the estimated Ksh.200 million expenditure for President William Ruto’s four-day State visit to the United States.
President Ruto opted to lease a Boeing 737-700 business jet from Royal Jet of Dubai for his U.S. trip, instead of using his presidential jet, a Fokker 70ER, due to its limited range.
Royal Jet, based in Abu Dhabi, charges approximately $18,000 per hour (about Ksh. 2.4 million) to charter the business jet.
A single trip from Nairobi to Atlanta, spanning roughly 18 hours, will cost taxpayers approximately Ksh. 98 million. Therefore, a round trip could potentially surpass the Ksh. 200 million mark, considering that Ruto also traveled from Atlanta to Washington D.C., a trip spanning two hours.
Speaking in Nakuru County, Mwaura responded to reporters’ concerns about the high costs by emphasizing the anticipated benefits of the trip.
He highlighted the potential for increased foreign investments and lucrative trade deals as outcomes of Ruto’s visit, arguing that these benefits outweigh the financial costs.
“Faida William Ruto atatuletea haitoshi ile mafuta ameenda nayo,” said Mwaura.
“Hii pareto inatumika sana kule Marekani kwa hivyo nyinyi wakulima, (Ruto) ameenda kuwataftia soko. Kwa hivyo wewe unauliza maswali haya …hiyo maswali ni ya kipuzi kabisa. Shindwe wewe ibilisi, pepo mbaya,” said Mwaura.
“Rais ameenda kama mzee wa Kenya, kutafuta alafu wewe unauliza fare ni pesa ngapi na akirudi atarudi na zaidi ya hiyo fare mara milioni. Yeye (Ruto) ni Rais wa kwanza ambaye ameitwa kutoka Africa kuenda State visit Marekani.”
President Ruto arrived at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday afternoon, kicking off his four day state visit.
The first visit by an African leader in 15 years is expected to strengthen ties with the United States of America and open doors to investment, fostering closer diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.