Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki on November 8, 2024, left the country for his first international assignment as Kenya’s second in command, just a week after his swearing-in.
He departed on Friday morning for Gaborone, Botswana, marking his first international trip in two years.
DP Kindiki travelled to the South African country to represent President William Ruto in the inauguration of President Duma Boko as the newly elected President of the Republic of Botswana.
In photos seen by The Kenya Times, Kindiki arrived in Botswana’s capital on a chartered Fly Skyward Express flight.
The aircraft, a Rolls-Royce-powered Fokker 70 (F70), is similar to Kenya’s official presidential jet.
Skyward acquired the jet from the Netherlands in September 2023. The 29-year-old aircraft which is registered in Kenya as 5Y-SKX, is yet to be branded with Skyward’s livery.
It was previously operated by Tus Airways in Cyprus, KLM Cityhopper in the Netherlands, and Singapore’s SilkAir, which used it for five years until 2000.
The Fokker 70, a twin-engine regional aircraft developed by the Fokker Aircraft Company (FAC) of the Netherlands, is derived from the Fokker F100 model.
As of November 2009, 48 F70s were operational with 15 operators worldwide.
An extended range version, the Fokker F70ER, was introduced in 1994 with an additional fuel tank for long-range missions. The F70 was produced from 1994 to 1997, with 47 aircraft built in total.
Fokker Jet
A sophisticated flight deck and avionics, good performance and low noise and engine emissions continue to make the Fokker 70 a versatile and cost-effective 80-seater.
Designed with a life of 90,000 landings, most Fokker 70s are currently in service with ten operators around the world in all types of operational environments.
The Fokker 70 is in use as a passenger aircraft and as a VIP aircraft, serving several Heads of State.
Various operators have indicated plans to keep their Fokker 70s in service beyond 2030.
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Comprehensive support for the Fokker 70 is available from Fokker Services and other companies.
While various pre-owned Fokker 70s have been traded, it is expected that the Fokker 70 will continue to remain available for sale by their current owners, typically at affordable prices, according to Aerospace Technology.
The Fokker 70 seats up to 80 passengers mostly at a comfortable 32in (81cm) seat pitch.
Ample overhead bin and wardrobe space is available and up to two lavatories and full-size hot galleys may be installed.
Many alternative seating arrangements are possible, e.g. a combined mixed class configuration with 12 First and 60 Economy class seats with full hot galleys.
DP kindiki in Botswana
Kindiki during his trip was accompanied by Senators Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) and Eddy Oketch (Migori).
Also Read: Harambee One: Details of Ruto’s Jet That Has Flown Four Presidents
Others who tagged along in the trip include National Assembly Members; Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), John Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Victor Koech (Chepalungu), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).
Kindiki flew out two days after seeing President Ruto off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday for South Sudan.
Ruto also traveled to Ethiopia after leaving Juba to Addis Ababa on Wednesday night.
Kenya’s presidential jet, famously known as Harambee One, is a Fokker 70 extended-range aircraft. It was brought into the country in December 1995.
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