This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
President Kenyatta's Sh1.5M Per Hour Private Jet: A Costly Foreign Tour ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta has been away for almost a week on official duties, visiting Japan and Russia. According to local media, the head of state hired a Dubai-based Airbus A318-112 (CJ) Elite A6-CAS as his air transport.
Published on October 28, 2019, the customized jet is suited with three presidential spacious cabins with sliding partition doors for total privacy. The jet also features a VIP lounge, private office, luxurious VIP lavatory, and high-speed internet.
According to Sunday Nation, the luxurious private jet was charging Sh1.5 million per hour, meaning that taxpayers were coughing out Sh36 million per day. The government has not released details of the actual amount the head of State and his delegation splashed to hire the plane and the Presidential accommodation for their 5-day long trip.
President Uhuru and his delegation first flew to Japan from Mombasa on Sunday, attending the Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito. From Tokyo, President Uhuru flew to Sochi, Russia on Wednesday, attending the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit.
The private jet was still parked at the Presidential pavilion at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday, a day after it jetted in the President. The President and his delegation returned to the country on Friday at 8:59 pm.
