‪Ruto Says ‘Friends’ Offered Him Private Jet To The US For Sh10M Not Sh200M‬

President William Ruto disclosed the whole expense of his travel to the United States was merely Ksh10 million.

Speaking during a National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Nairobi , President Ruto refuted claims that his trip to the US cost Ksh 200 million of the taxpayers money.

“When I saw the debate on my trip to US, some saying the plane costed Ksh200M because the president wanted to arrive in style holding Rachel’s hand, there was no way it cost 200M.

“The trip cost the republic of Kenya less than Ksh10M,” said President Ruto.

But travel costs were just one element of Ruto’s overarching emphasis on fiscal rectitude and accountability. He revealed having instructed heads of state corporations and parastatals to slash recurrent budgets by 30% in a bid to rein in spending.

“I was pleasantly surprised that each and every parastatal was willing to contribute to making sure that we live within our means,” Ruto told the prayer breakfast attendees. “They have actually reduced their recurrent budgets by 30%.”

The President underscored his administration’s commitment to financial discipline, even at the highest echelons of power. “My office and that of my deputy and that of my prime cabinet secretary, we have said we are going to start with ourselves. We must lead from the front, tighten up our belts,” he stated.

Ruto outlined plans to prioritize investment in productive sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure to spur economic growth and create opportunities for ordinary Kenyans. Ultimately, he aims to eliminate the persistent budget deficits that have necessitated borrowing.

“My plan is that in three years we must have a balanced budget. We cannot continue to have a budget that has a deficit that before you begin, you have to borrow,” the President declared, calling for an end to the “debate” over his U.S. travel costs.