Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has justified the costs associated with President William Ruto’s four-day State visit to the United States, which are estimated to exceed Ksh.200 million in travel expenses alone.
For the U.S. trip, Ruto leased a Boeing 737-700 business jet from Royal Jet of Dubai instead of using his presidential jet, a Fokker 70ER, due to its limited range.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline charges approximately 18,000 USD per hour (about Sh.2.4 million) to charter the business jet.
A single trip from Nairobi to Atlanta, lasting about 18 hours, will cost taxpayers roughly Sh.98 million.
Consequently, a round trip could easily surpass the Sh.200 million mark since Ruto also traveled from Atlanta to Washington D.C., a journey of two hours.
The travel expenses also include the time it took for the business jet to travel to Nairobi from Abu Dhabi and back.
When questioned by reporters in Nakuru County about the high costs, Mwaura emphasized the anticipated benefits of Ruto’s U.S. trip over its financial burden.
“Faida William Ruto atatuletea haitoshi ile mafuta ameenda nayo,” Mwaura stated.
He highlighted the potential for increased foreign investments and lucrative trade deals as a result of the State visit to the U.S., arguing that the benefits far outweigh the costs.
“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,” Mwaura added.
“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 William Ruto arrived at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday afternoon, commencing his busy four-day visit to the United States.
Among the dignitaries welcoming President Ruto at the airport were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens.
This first visit by an African leader in 15 years aims to strengthen ties with the United States while also creating opportunities for investment.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced that Ruto will be in the U.S. from Monday, May 20, to Thursday, May 23, during which he will meet with President Joe Biden.
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