Wealthy Kenyans imported 325 helicopters from South Africa

The aircraft are valued at a total Ksh.3.6 billion and were likely acquired by politicians as they prepare for intensive campaign runs ahead of the August General Election.

The data further shows that no helicopters were imported in 2021, but 519 helicopter engines were brought in over the course of the year. 

The engines are estimated to be around Ksh.1.6 billion.

Although some of the aircraft might have been in transit to other countries, the number of helicopters in Kenya increases around the election period as politicians seek seamless transport means to traverse the country.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director-General Gilbert Kibe was on Tuesday quoted by The Standard as saying in a past interview that the number of registered helicopters was 67 as of December 2020.

“Before we reach election time, I am sure they will be more than 100,” he said.

While Kenya also imports aircraft from European, Western and Asian countries, South Africa is a favorite for politicians, where they get options to either buy or rent for campaigns.

In 2005, Kenya imported 212 helicopters from South Africa and KCAA says that most helicopters in Kenya are from South Africa.

The average cost of hiring a chopper in Kenya is between Ksh.150,000 and Ksh.170,000 per hour for a 3 pax helicopter, with the price going up to Ksh.250,000 for higher-capacity choppers.

In comparison, purchasing one from South Africa sets the buyer back around Ksh.200 million, exclusive of local registration charges.