Kenyan Taxpayers Foot Nearly Kshs 200M Bill for President Ruto's USA Trip

In a move that has stirred controversy and raised eyebrows among Kenyan taxpayers, it has been revealed that the cost of President William Ruto’s recent trip to the USA will tally close to Kshs 200 million. The expenditure comes as a result of State House chartering a Boeing 737-700 business jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai, a luxury charter airline based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Royal Jet, known for its opulent services catering to high-end clientele between the UAE, Europe, and the USA, charges a staggering $18,000 (approximately Kshs 2.4 million) per hour for its charter services. The decision to opt for such lavish transportation methods has ignited a heated debate regarding the judicious use of taxpayer funds, particularly in a country facing various socioeconomic challenges.

Critics have raised concerns about the allocation of such a substantial sum for presidential travel, especially when many essential services and sectors within Kenya are in need of dire financial support. Calls for transparency and accountability in government spending have intensified, with demands for detailed breakdowns of the expenses incurred during official trips abroad.

As the public awaits further clarification from government officials regarding the necessity and justification of the extravagant expenditure, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fiscal prudence and responsible stewardship of public resources.