Kenyan Government Defends Lavish President Ruto's US Trip

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya's government has come under fire for the estimated $1.5 million (£1.2 million) cost of hiring a luxury private jet for President William Ruto's trip to the United States. The expense, revealed by Kenya’s private KTN TV station, has sparked outrage among citizens facing a cost-of-living crisis and government-imposed austerity measures.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura defended the expenditure, stating, "The benefits from this visit far outweigh such a million times," though he did not confirm the exact cost.

President Ruto and his delegation, including over 30 individuals such as a popular comedian, landed in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday for a four-day visit at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.

This marks the first state visit by a Kenyan president to the US in two decades and the first by an African leader in 16 years.

The visit's agenda includes discussions on trade and security partnerships, with a focus on Kenya's commitment to leading a multi-national mission to restore order in Haiti.

However, the decision to charter an aircraft from the Dubai-owned RoyalJet company, instead of using the aging presidential plane Harambee One, has fueled public discontent. Safety concerns about Harambee One, purchased nearly 30 years ago, were cited as a potential reason for opting for the private jet.

Despite the US government clarifying that it did not fund President Ruto’s travel, the expenditure has intensified scrutiny of the administration's spending habits.

This controversy comes amid government plans to impose additional taxes to raise $2.4 billion in the upcoming financial year, affecting the cost of bread, mobile money transfers, airtime, and data.

Critics argue that the new taxes are funding government extravagance rather than improving public services. Since taking office in 2022, President Ruto has made over 50 foreign trips, averaging more than three per month.

In response to mounting criticism, the government implemented belt-tightening measures, including suspending non-essential foreign travel and directing ministries to reduce operational budgets by 10%.

As Kenyans grapple with rising living costs, the lavish expenditure on international trips has become a focal point of public anger. The administration's handling of this situation will likely influence its ability to garner support for upcoming fiscal policies and economic reforms.

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