By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of Kenya, William Ruto, has defended his decision to use private jet for his US trip last week after he came under severe criticism for saying that it was cheaper than using the national airline, Kenya Airways.
His office did not however disclose the amount spent on hiring the jet or how much it would have cost to make use of national airlines.
Ruto had embarked on a three-day official state visit to the US, the first such trip by an African leader in more than 15 years.
While he was there, Kenya secured a number of investment deals worth billions of dollars.
The country was also designated by the US as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) ally, cementing its position as one of the US’s closest security partners in Africa.
Beyond the massive takeaway from the US journey, the luxury that accompanied it has generated criticism among Kenyans, attracting the President’s response.
On Sunday, a day after returning to the country, Mr Ruto defended himself as a “steward of public resources”.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ,” he wrote on X formerly Twitter.
Despite this explanation, many Kenyans have criticised the President.
A political analyst Prof Herman Manyora told the BBC that the President should have explained himself better, to persuade people that it was right to use a private jet.
He said the President should have “considered people’s perceptions” and explained the benefits of using a chartered plane, including flexibility, class and security.
“I would have expected that kind of explanation, not one that leaves people wondering,” he said.
On social media some criticised the country’s leader for using an airline owned by another country.
“It is a shame as a country if the president can’t use our national airlines, Kenya Airways, because it is expensive,” said Alinur Mohamed.
Ruto and his host President, Joe Biden had on Thursday announced a raft of multibillion-shilling new investment deals in Kenya as the two countries marked 60 years of partnership.
The new investment deals announced on the final day of President Ruto’s State visit largely focus on green energy, security, education and governance.
Ruto has now said his administration has cut foreign travel budget by Sh11 billion.
Heritage Times HT recalls that Ruto had in November last year barred public servants from taking lavish trips abroad.
He said public servants will not be allowed to attend workshops abroad in order to save cost.
“We have cut travel budget by Sh11 billion in all ministries or departments and not the Sh50 million reported by the press. There will be no foreign conferences, workshops, and bench-marking for public servants,” said Ruto.
He said he will only allow foreign trips that will help unlock investments and opportunities for Kenyans.
