Iceland's Prime Minister Uses Kenya Airways In Malawi Visit As Ruto Charters Private Plane To USA

• President William Ruto chose to travel using a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet from Royal Jet
• The revelation of the travel costs sparked significant outrage among Kenyans on social media, especially in contrast to the Icelandic Prime Minister’s choice to fly to Malawi using Kenya Airways
• The US embassy in Nairobi clarified that it did not cover the expenses for President Ruto’s chartered plane

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

President William Ruto ditched the traditional presidential jet and opted for a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai.

The revelation of the amount used in Ruto's historic trip has not gone down well with most Kenyans online.

The outrage by Kenyans on social media was further exacerbated by news that the Prime Minister of Iceland flew to Malawi using Kenya Airways.

Notably, Kenya Airways launched direct flights from Nairobi to New York in 2018.

How much Ruto's plane will cost?

According to the firm's quotation, a one-way 18-hour flight from Nairobi to Atlanta costs KSh 98 million.

This, coupled with his trip from Atlanta to Washington, would see Ruto's trip cross the KSh 200 million mark.

According to NTV Kenya, the US embassy in Nairobi has clarified its role in facilitating the trip in response to public reactions.

“Just to be clear: The United States of America did not pay for President Ruto’s jet to the US,” said a spokesman.

How Kenyans reacted to Iceland's PM using KQ

@Mshomolozi said:

"@Oguda should see this. Others value @KenyaAirways but our President hired a private jet to the US. Reason: Presidential Safety is very expensive in Kenya. Mayoooo!"

@sheikhkanyuiro said:

"While the president of Kenya is chartering a private jet on a state visit while other leaders charter our airline.

@PillowsAndDuvet said:

"Iceland PM is marketing Kenya Airways more than our Kenyan president. Shame!"

However, not all people agree that the comparison between the two is merited.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke analysed the features and specifications of the A6 RJU BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) the president is using during his state visit.

Other stories on Ruto's US state visit

• Isaac Mwaura condemns man who questioned cost of William Ruto's trip to US.
• Uproar as Ruto hires Royal Jet costing at least KSh 200m for US visit.
• Coca-Cola announces KSh 23b investment in Kenya as president visits HQ in Atlanta.
• Kenyan man confronts Ruto with question on fake fertilizer during his US tour.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke