David Njuguna, a Kiambu-based businessman, made news in November 2021 when he purchased a plane for opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had held an auction to sell planes that had been abandoned at various airports across the country.
73 planes were auctioned, with the lowest selling for $700, which was estimated to be about Ksh 70,000 at the time.
The aircraft on offer included cargo planes and jets.
Njuguna revealed that he had purchased three planes, two for business and personal use, and the third as a donation to Odinga.
He said the plane would provide mobility as the former Prime Minister campaigned across the country ahead of the 2022 general election.
Notably, while the majority of Kenyans struggle to make ends meet by taking out loans to buy various cars, well-oiled Kenyans acquire and import the most recent helicopter models from Europe and the West.
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However, this flair does not come cheaply. With the average annual salary in Kenya at Ksh 157,036 according to the World Bank, hiring a helicopter can cost more than Ksh 150,000.
To purchase a helicopter in Kenya, one needs have an estimated value of Ksh 200 million, depending on the deal struck with the firm that owns the aircraft.
Kenyans have the most affinity for the AS Aerospatiale 350B3e Eurocopter, which is manufactured in France. This helicopter will set you back Ksh 202.8 million.
Because the helicopter needs to be manufactured in Kenya, the price can reach Ksh 350 million. After being bought, it is partially transported into the nation via plane.
Current market trends indicate that hiring a helicopter in Kenya typically costs between Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 170,000 per hour for a three-person aircraft, with higher capacity aircraft costing up to Ksh 250,000.
Up to Ksh 30,000 worth of gasoline is used by helicopters every hour. Wilson Airport charges Ksh 10,000 for parking per night and Ksh 1,000 for landing.
Insurance ranges from Ksh 8 million to Ksh 10 million, based on the hours flown by the pilot. A brand new Cessna costs about Ksh 43 million.
