Questions surrounding the Future of Kenya’s official Presidential aircraft have resurfaced after President Ruto opted for another privately chartered jet for his latest official trip to South Africa.
President Ruto landed in Pretoria for a three-day state visit. It is alleged that the President departed Nairobi aboard a Boeing 737-800 BBJ2, a luxury aircraft operated by the UAE-based Empire Aviation Group.
It is believed this is the same jet the President has used before for several international trips, a move that has renewed public scrutiny over the status and cost of the country’s dedicated Presidential plane.
Kenya’s official Presidential jet, a Fokker 70 acquired in 1995, has been grounded since August 2025. Last seen en route to the Netherlands for extensive maintenance, the aging aircraft has become a logistical headache due to a severe shortage of spare parts, a consequence of the manufacturer’s collapse in 1996.
While reports suggest the government plans to retire the jet in 2026, concerned authorities are yet to announce a replacement strategy. In the interim, President Ruto’s reliance on chartered flights has elicited mixed reactions. Concerned voices argue that the practice compromises Presidential prestige and strains public coffers, pointing to his recent US trip aboard a chartered Boeing Business jet that reportedly cost taxpayers $1.5 million.
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President Ruto refuted the claims, stating the flight actually costed Ksh10 million thanks to well-placed connections. Neither the State House nor the Ministry of Defence has yet to announce the purchase of a new Presidential jet.
