Gov't Defies Austerity, to Hire Expensive Aircrafts for Deputy President William Ruto's Office

The office of Deputy President William Ruto has invited tenders for aircraft charter services in a move that is expected to cost the taxpayers millions of shillings.

This is despite recent assurances by the government that it is embarking on austerity measures as a result of revenue deficit and soaring public debt.

In a notice, the Deputy President's office asked aircraft owners to get tender documents from Harambee House Annex and submit their applications on or before October 23rd, at 10am. The notice says the DP’s office needs two planes; a helicopter and a fixed wing air craft.

“Interested service providers who are registered in relevant trades and categories (proof of registration required) may obtain Tender Documents from Harambee House Annex 1st Floor, room 1B12/13, in person or against written application,” reads the notice.

“The non-refundable fee of Ksh.1,000 is to be paid in cash at the Cash Office before 4pm on normal working days or in banker’s cheque payable to the Principal Administrative Secretary, Office of the Deputy President.”

Considering the high cost of chartering aircrafts in the country, this move raises questions on whether the government is serious on its promise of cutting its expenditure especially on nonessentials.
 
Hiring a helicopter costs an average of Sh150,000 per hour and the cost could go up depending on other factors such as milage. 

Ruto makes countrywide tours every weekend using choppers to launch various government development projects in what Kenyans now refer as "kutangatanga" (Loitering).