As majority of Kenyans hustle to eke out a living – at best buy a small car or motorbike on loan – well oiled Kenyans are acquiring the latest models helicopters for their luxury travel around the country or just for the business of hiring them out. The moneyed guys who can afford these flying machines form the bulk of our political elite.

To hire a chopper is expensive in Kenya. For one hour, you will cough between Ksh150,000 and Ksh170,000. This is calculated once the helicopter is airborne.

The French made AS Aerospatiale 350B3e Eurocopter is the most popular brand with Kenyans. The cost of this helicopter is $1.9 million (Ksh202.8 million). The cost goes upwards of Ksh350 million as the chopper has to be assembled in Kenya. It’s flown into the country in parts once it has been purchased.

Fuel consumption and other charges
Helicopters consume up to Ksh30,000 worth of fuel per hour. Parking per night at Wilson Airport is Ksh10,000 and landing fee is Ksh1,000. Insurance is between Ksh8 million and up to Ksh10million depending on hours flown by the pilot. A brand new Cessna is about Ksh43 million.

Here below is the list of Kenyans who own helicopters, as at November 2018, and how much it would set you back to hire or even buy one.

Owners of the choppers

Uhuru Kenyatta operated by Flex Aviation
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y JNM
5Y NMJ

William Ruto operated by Kwae Island Holdings

Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y DSM
5Y DSN
Eurocopter EC130B4
5Y DSC

Ephrahim Maina
Bell 407
5Y PSM
Bell 206
5Y MNW

Patrick Musimba Kibwezi MP
Bell 407
5Y PPS

Simeon Nyachae
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y HSN

Musalia Mudavadi
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y TXM

Raila Odinga
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y HOD

Lenny Kivuti
Bell 206
5Y HKK

S.K. Macharia (Royal Media Services)
Eurocopter AS350B3
5Y DSB
5Y SGM

Peter Kenneth
Bell 407
5Y PKI
5Y PKZ

Joshua Chepkwony
Eurocopter AS350B3
5Y HJK

Gideon Moi
Eurocopter As350B2
5Y ZKL
Hughes 300
5Y ZKM

General Julius Karangi operated by Aberdair
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y FWE
5Y MNJ
5Y NKW

Guru of Devki
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y DCC
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y DVK
5Y EVG

Ian Mumano operated by Ladylori
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y BTW
5Y BVM
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y GYM

Jimmy Wanjigi
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y JWJ

See Also >> Deputy President William Ruto Buys Sh1Bn Chopper

Phil Mathews
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
5Y KGV
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y KUI

Joshua Kulei operated by Phoenix Aviation
AgustaWestland 119 VIP
5Y RBY

Capt. Newton Osiemo operated by Wilken
Eurocopter AS350B2
5Y HLI

Nicholas Biwott operated by Air Kenya
Eurocopter AS350B3e
5Y HNB
5Y JNB

William Kabogo
Eurocopter AS350B3
5Y–EXK

Kalonzo Musyoka
Eurocopter AS 350B3 Ecureuil’s
Registration Number 5Y-DKK5Y-DKK

Kenya Pipeline
Eurocopter’s
5Y PSH
5Y EXC

Kenya Power
Bell 407
5Y EXT

Kenya Wildlife Service
Bell 407
5Y KWM
Bell 206
5Y KWW

PHOENIX AVIATION
Bell 412s
5Y PAH
5Y PHO

POLICE

Mi17s
5Y DCI
5Y STA
5Y SFA
5Y EDM

Kenyans who own Cessnas
John Munyes
six-seater Cessna U206
5Y-MJK

Dr Richard Leakey
Single engine six-seater Cessna U206G.

Mr Jonathan Leakey
5Y-BBD

(The late) Thomas Cholmondeley
PZL-104 Wilga 35 agricultural aircraft, registration 5Y-BPF.
Franc Tundo
5Y-BJY

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