In Kenya, owning a helicopter signifies not just a mode of transport but a symbol of affluence and power.
From business tycoons to political leaders, these Kenyan high flyers navigate the country in a way most can only dream of.
In this article, EAFeed looks at Kenyans who own helicopters.
Kenyans who own helicopters
Kenyans who wons helicopters include former President Uhuru Kenyatta who owns three helicopters – Eurocopter AS350B3e, 5Y JNM and 5Y NMJ – all operated by Flex Aviation.
President William Ruto owns four helicopters – Eurocopter AS350B3e, 5Y DSM, 5Y DSN, Eurocopter EC130B4 and 5Y DSC.
The president’s fleet is operated by Kwae Island Holdings.
On the other hand, while Nyeri politician Ephraim Maina owns four helicopters – Bell 407, 5Y PSM, Bell 206 and 5Y MNW, Kibwezi MP Patrick Musimba owns two helicopters – Bell 407 and 5Y PPS.
Simeon Nyachae is also among Kenyans who own helicopters with two of the aircraft – Eurocopter AS350B3e and 5Y HSN.
Others are Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who owns Eurocopter EC 130 B4 and 5Y TXM helicopters, Raila Odinga who owns Eurocopter EC 130 B4 and 5Y HOD helicopters and Lenny Kivuti who is a proud owner of Bell 206 and 5Y HKK helicopters.
Media mogul SK Macharia owns Eurocopter AS350B3, 5Y DSB and 5Y SGM while politician Peter Kenneth owns Bell 407, 5Y PKI and 5Y PKZ helicopters.
Jamii Telecommunications chairman Joshua Chepkwony owns Eurocopter AS350B3 and 5Y HJK while Gideon Moi owns Eurocopter As350B2, 5Y ZKL, Hughes 300 and 5Y ZKM helicopters.
General Karangi owns Eurocopter AS350B3e, 5Y FWE, 5Y MNJ and 5Y NKW helicopters operated by Aberdair.
Devki Group of Companies Chairman, Dr. Narendra Raval owns five helicopters – Eurocopter EC 130 B4, 5Y DCC, Eurocopter AS350B3e, 5Y DVK and 5Y EVG.
Ian Mumano on the other hand owns Eurocopter AS350B3e, 5Y BTW, 5Y BVM, Eurocopter EC 130 B4 and 5Y GYM operated by Ladylori.
Joshua Kulei owns two helicopters – AgustaWestland 119 VIP and 5Y RBY – operated by Phoenix Aviation, while Newton Osiemo has Eurocopter AS350B2 and 5Y HLI helicopters operated by Wilken.
Nicholas Biwott also had three helicopters – Eurocopter AS350B3e 5Y HNB and 5Y JNB – operated by Air Kenya.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has Eurocopter AS350B3 and 5Y–EXK helicopters while Kalonzo Musyoka has a Eurocopter AS 350B3 helicopter.
Other Kenyans who own helicopters are Jimmy Wanjigi (Eurocopter EC 130 B4 and 5Y JWJ) and Phil Mathews (Eurocopter EC 130 B4, 5Y KGV, Eurocopter AS350B3e and 5Y KUI).
Cost of hiring a helicopter
The cost of hiring a helicopter in Kenya varies but it costs between Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 170,000 per hour once the helicopter is airborne.
A helicopter’s insurance is between Ksh 8 million and up to Ksh 10 million depending on hours flown by the pilot.
Additionally, helicopters consume up to Ksh 30,000 worth of fuel per hour, and parking per night at Wilson Airport is Ksh 10,000.
For every landing, a helicopter is charged Ksh 1,000.
