The United States government has clarified that it did not finance President William Ruto’s private jet for his recent trip to America, which has sparked heated debates in Kenya due to the high cost, estimated at around Sh200 million.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Nairobi refuted claims that the US covered the flight expenses but confirmed that the US government would cover all other costs during President Ruto’s stay in the US, including local transportation, accommodation, and meals. The Kenyan government, on the other hand, is responsible for the delegation’s allowances and the return flight to Kenya.
“Just to be clear: The United States of America did not pay for President Ruto’s jet to the US,” the spokesperson emphasized.
In addition to addressing the jet controversy, the US has reiterated its commitment to supporting Kenya in health, governance, anti-corruption efforts, institutional strengthening, civil society, and press freedom.
President William Ruto commenced his historic four-day state visit to the US in Atlanta on Monday, marking the first visit by an African leader in 15 years. The President travelled on a leased aircraft from RoyalJet, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, which operates in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation and the Presidential Flight (Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight). For this journey, President Ruto was allocated a Boeing Business Jet B737-77W.
Flight records show that a one-way trip from Nairobi to Atlanta costs approximately USD 748,600 (Sh98 million). Given that the President will continue to Washington, the total travel costs are expected to exceed Sh200 million.
The luxurious aircraft features a spacious bedroom, dining area, meeting and conference spaces, VIP seating, and ample luggage capacity, offering top-tier comfort for the long journey.
Additional costs were incurred for flying the jet from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi. The aircraft departed Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 12:40 PM. President Ruto departed Nairobi on Sunday night at 9:48 PM, making a stopover in Spain on Monday around 5:30 AM, before finally landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta shortly after 10 AM local time. He was warmly welcomed by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and a delegation of American leaders.
President Ruto’s visit highlights the strong partnership between the US and Kenya, particularly in building healthier communities. “In forty years, the Kenya-US CDC partnership has enhanced Kenya’s health infrastructure, conducted research, and implemented interventions that have saved numerous lives by curbing infectious diseases,” President Ruto remarked.
This visit underscores the collaborative efforts between Kenya and the US in tackling health challenges, promoting governance, and fostering economic growth, marking a significant chapter in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
