Statement · 30 May 2024
PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT RUTO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AUSTERITY MEASURES AMID SUCCESSFUL US STATE VISIT Following media inquiries regarding the mode of travel the President used for the successful State Visit to the US, I wish to state the following: Kenya operates in the international multilateral arena and is therefore a friend, partner, and ally to many countries. As explained by the President on Thursday, the cost of the jet he traveled in for the historic and successful US State Visit was offered by friends of Kenya at a relatively low cost. In this specific case, the United Arab Emirates Government offered the aircraft at less than KSh10 million. This is how nations operate, supporting and partnering with each other for mutual prosperity, and there are plenty of examples to illustrate this. In 2018, the UAE government donated to Kenya six military-grade FENNEC helicopters and three ECUREUIL trainer aircraft. The donation included accompanying servicing spares, spare parts, and tools, cumulatively valued at Kshs 4 billion. The USA is now donating to Kenya 16 helicopters and 150 Armoured Security Vehicles under an agreement signed between the two countries during the President’s State Visit. The specifics are as follows: 1. 150 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, scheduled for delivery in September 2024. 2. 8 utility helicopters, to be delivered in September 2024. 3. 8 light utility helicopters, to be delivered by early 2025.
All these equipment has been donated to Kenya by her friends. Yes, Kenya has friends, and their interest is to have a secure partner state with which they can trade, invest, and collaborate. This is why, last year, we sent our military to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of an East African force - at our own expense to stabilize the country and our region in general. Again, this is how nations work. At under KSh10 million, this was the most efficient and economical way for the President and his delegation to undertake a trip of this magnitude. The President continues to lead from the front in implementing austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means. He is encouraged by government ministries, departments, and agencies taking the cue and is on course to ensure Kenya records a balanced budget in three years' time.
Hussein Mohamed, MBS State House Spokesperson. MAY 30TH, 2024
40530 - 00100, State House Nairobi, Kenya. @HusseinMohamedg
Hussein Mohamed
+254 20 222 7436/7 president.go.ke spokesperson@president.go.ke