President William Ruto on Tuesday departed the country for South Africa, where he is set to hold bilateral talks with his host, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Unlike other Kenyan presidents before him, Ruto left on board a private jet delivered to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The Kenyan president hired the multi-billion shilling Gulfstream V to make the trip to South Africa, even as his countrymen continue to grapple with a punishing cost of living, widespread unemployment, and a difficult business environment driven by heavy taxation.
The Gulfstream V is a legendary ultra-long-range private jet that transformed business aviation when it was first introduced. Known among business travellers as a flying palace, the aircraft is capable of covering long-haul intercontinental routes such as London to Singapore or New York to Tokyo without a single refuelling stop.
Its cabin is divided into multiple zones, complete with divans and sleeping areas, high-speed satellite connectivity, a full-service galley for meal preparation, and Gulfstream’s signature large oval windows that flood the interior with natural light.
The aircraft is a favourite among celebrities and high-profile business executives and comes at a steep price, costing over Sh10 million per hour to hire.
Here is the video of the private jet Ruto used to fly to South Africa on Tuesday.
