Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi has sparked fresh debate over the safety of Kenya’s presidential transport, calling for the immediate retirement of the ageing aircraft used by President William Ruto.
In a statement shared on X, Nyakundi warned that the continued use of the Fokker 70ER, acquired in 1995, could pose a risk to the Head of State, urging authorities to prioritise the President’s safety.
“For the sake of the President’s safety, the 70ER aircraft, the 1995 Fokker, should now be retired from active service,” the MP said.
The aircraft, popularly known as “Harambee One”, has been in service for nearly three decades and has been used by successive presidents, including Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and now President Ruto.
Nyakundi’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny over the condition of state-owned aircraft, with aviation observers previously raising concerns about ageing fleets and rising maintenance costs.
The Kenya Air Force-operated Fokker 70 remains part of the presidential fleet, mainly used for regional and short-haul trips, even as the President frequently relies on commercial airlines for long-distance travel.
The MP’s statement is likely to reignite debate over whether Kenya should invest in a new presidential jet, a conversation that has surfaced repeatedly in recent years but remains politically sensitive due to cost concerns.
The issue places the government in a delicate position, balancing national security, public perception, and expenditure priorities at a time when Kenyans remain sensitive to large state spending.
While some argue that upgrading the presidential fleet is necessary for safety and efficiency, others have consistently opposed such moves, citing the high cost and urging the government to prioritise essential services.
Nyakundi’s remarks now thrust the conversation back into the spotlight, potentially setting the stage for renewed policy discussions on the future of Kenya’s presidential transport.