President William Ruto’s recent trip to the United States came with a hefty price tag, surpassing Ksh.200 million. Instead of using his presidential jet, a Fokker 70ER, Ruto opted to lease a luxurious Boeing 737-700 business jet from Royal Jet of Dubai due to the Fokker’s limited range.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline charges approximately $18,000 (Ksh.2.4 million) per hour to charter the business jet. The journey from Nairobi to Atlanta, spanning about 18 hours, cost taxpayers roughly Ksh.98 million for a one-way trip. Factoring in the return journey and additional travel from Atlanta to Washington D.C., the total expense crossed the Ksh.200 million mark.
Breakdown of Costs
A one-way flight from Nairobi to Atlanta cost $748,600 (Ksh.98 million) for the 18-hour flight. The president’s round trip aboard the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) exceeded Ksh.200 million, considering the additional two-hour flight from Atlanta to Washington D.C.
Ruto’s flight in the BBJ, cruising at 34,000 feet, provided unmatched luxury. The $100 million (Ksh.13 billion) twin-engine jet offers a lavish experience far beyond commercial airlines’ first-class services. An hour aboard the BBJ ranges from $12,000 (Ksh.1.6 million) to $18,000 (Ksh.2.4 million), potentially costing between Ksh.29 million and Ksh.43.2 million from Nairobi to Atlanta. The same amounts applied on the return trip.
Additional Costs
The expenses also included the cost of flying the aircraft from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi and back, a nearly five-hour journey each way costing between Ksh.8 million and Ksh.10 million per leg. The jet left Abu Dhabi at 9:03 am and landed in Nairobi at 12:40 pm, spending a day on the ground before Ruto’s departure.
Additionally, the president’s flight made a stop in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, for refueling, a common practice for flights heading to the USA. “Santiago de Compostela in Spain is wh
Comparison with Commercial Flights
Had Ruto chosen a commercial flight, the cost would have been significantly lower. A Kenya Airways flight to New York, departing two hours after Ruto, would have cost between Ksh.123,000 and Ksh.234,000 for a one-way business class ticket, with an additional connecting flight to Atlanta. However, state visits involve logistical and security considerations that commercial flights cannot accommodate.
So, why did President Ruto Opt for The Royal Jet experience?
Royal Jet, serving the UAE and European luxury markets, promises a personalized experience for its clients. The BBJ features a private bedroom with a queen-size bed, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a full shower. It also includes a living room, dining area, lounge with eight plush leather seats, and an onboard chef.
President Ruto’s preference for luxury travel has been noted before. In 2013, he was in the news for his “Hustler Jet,” hired for a trip to four West African nations at Ksh.100 million. This recent trip further highlights his taste for the finer things, as he continues to combine state duties with an opulent lifestyle.
By Vivian K.