By Isaac Blessings
Politicians are among the wealthiest people in Kenya and they don’t shy away from flaunting their earthly possessions. From living in multi-million mansions in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi to driving the most expensive fuel guzzlers and simply savoring life in the fast lane. In recent years, we’ve seen a few politicians taking it to the next level by acquiring private helicopters. Many Kenyans have always wondered about the cost of these helicopters. But worry no more because in this article, we take a look at the most expensive helicopters owned by Kenyan politicians.
Airbus Helicopter H145
This helicopter is owned by Deputy President William Ruto and is the most expensive helicopter in Kenya. The chopper costs up to Ksh 970 million as revealed by the Business Jet Traveler magazine. It has amazing features such as a range of 260 nautical miles and can carry to a total of 12 people at one time. The chopper has a night vision allowing it to fly even at night and is equipped with the Helionix Avionics System – which reduces the workload of the pilot by enabling the chopper to fly or land incase it experiences a screen display failure. The H145 is mostly used by the military for roles such as surveillance, patrol and rescue missions.
Also Read: Full List Of Kenyans Who Own Helicopters And Cost Of Hiring One
Douglas DC-9 Helicopter
The famous Douglas DC-9 helicopter is owned by the Deputy President William Ruto. Manufactured by McDonnell, the chopper has gained a name as the workhorse of the airline fleets due to its reliability. The helicopter cost him a whopping 520 million Kenyan shillings which it is reported that he paid in cash. It has a seating capacity of up to 8 passengers and two pilots. The chopper is operated by Flex Aviation at the Wilson airport.
Also Read: Allowances And Salaries Of Kenya Airways (KQ) Pilots
Eurocopter AS350B3e
The Eurocopter AS350B3e famously known as the ‘Squirrel’ is one of the most famous helicopters in the country. Designed and manufactured in France, this helicopter is a single-engine light utility with the ability to fly even during harsh weather conditions. The helicopter which costs Kh 300 million was first owned in Kenya by President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, several politicians including William Ruto, Joshua Chepkwony and William Kabogo have acquired it recently.
Also Read: Pilot Training Fee Structure In Kenya And Requirements
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
The Eurocopter EC 130 B4 which has a seating capacity of up to 7 passengers is one of the best helicopters in the aviation industry. Developed in 2001, this chopper is a member of the Eurocopter EC130 family, now referred to as the Airbus H130. It has a Vehicle and Engine management display (VEMD) that reduces the pilot’s workload and makes flying easier. The chopper is the quietest helicopter in its category with a noise signature of 6 dB ICAO limits. The helicopter which costs up to Ksh 250 million was first owned in Kenya by the former Prime Minister – Raila Odinga. William Ruto, Jimmi Wanjigi and Musalia Mudavadi have recently acquired it.
Also Read: How To Own And Register An Aircraft In Kenya And Fees
Bell 407 helicopter
The Bell 407 is a four-blade and single engine civil utility helicopter and is mostly used for surveillance by the United States army. The helicopter has great features such as a Precise Flight Pulse lite which reduces bird strikes and enhances visibility of the aircraft. The chopper uses a Rolls Royce engine which is among the best engines in the world. The helicopter costs up to Ksh 250 million and is owned by a number of politicians such as Kibwezi MP- Patrick Musimba, Nyeri County senator – Ephraim Maina and Peter Kenneth among others.
The Hughes 300
The Hughes 300 helicopter famously known as the ‘Schweizer S300’ was first produced in the late 1960s. The chopper which carries a maximum of four passengers is a single-engine utility designed to maneuver even in harsh weather conditions. The helicopter can be used to execute different missions including law enforcement patrol, aerial photography and passenger transportation. It is one of the fastest with a maximum speed of 196 km/hour. The chopper which costs up to Ksh 100 million is owned by Baringo Senator and KANU chairman Gideon Moi.
Bell 206 helicopter
The Bell is a two bladed and twin-engine helicopter manufactured by the Bell Helicopter Textron Company. The helicopter carries up to a maximum of seven people on board and has a cruise speed of 205km/hour. It can carry up to 907 kg of luggage and has a total of five doors- two in the cabin and three in the passenger space. The helicopter which costs up to Ksh 200 million is owned by former Embu County senator Lenny Kivuti and Nyeri county senator Ephraim Maina.
