Kenya’s flying millionaires

The people of Mathira are used to seeing their MP Ephraim Maina fly in and out of functions in the constituency and last month was no different.

The flamboyant legislator landed at Tumu Tumu shopping centre in Nyeri for a church function with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi and Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

Mr Maina flies a Bell 206B helicopter he bought five years ago at a price he declines to disclose.

But those who have shopped for planes say a new Bell 206B helicopter costs no less than Sh1billion. Mr Maina owns the plane through Solio Ranch, a fully-owned company he founded at around the same time he bought the plane in 2007.

The MP is just one of a growing list of Kenyans who own what has become the ultimate weapon of personal expression for the rich.

For business or pleasure, the plane is fast becoming the new mode of transport for Kenya’s savvy businessmen and top politicians with an eye on the presidency.

Kenya has about 400 privately registered planes according to Colin Davies, the President of the Aero Club of East Africa and, himself, owner of a fleet.

The list of Kenyans, who own the coveted machine, reads like Who Is Who in the business and political landscape.

Today, the majority of Kenyans living in the farthest corners of the country are more likely to see a helicopter land in their backyard with a dignitary than have them arrive in the four-wheel drives that were the status symbols of yesteryears.

The battle for the skies among politicians reached a peak two months ago in Ndhiwa constituency of Homa Bay County during a funeral ceremony for the father of Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode.

The ceremony, which was attended by President Kibaki, saw an unprecedented 12 helicopters land and take off in quick succession at a local primary school as politicians fought the impression battle. 

Who’s who in the air 

The list of Kenyans who dominate the skies includes top businessmen, large scale farmers and corporate executives.

When it comes to control of the Kenyan skies, large scale farmers and ranchers in Nanyuki, Laikipia and Narok, mostly of European descent dominate.

This group of flying Kenyans uses their choppers to travel to Nairobi to run their errands and at the end of the day get back home and cite speed and convenience as reason for taking to the skies. “The 36 years that I have been in the air have made all alternatives look very unattractive,” says Harro Trempeneau, a resident of Kajiado, who finds it easier to fly to Nairobi than drive. “I just can’t tolerate the thought of getting stuck in traffic anymore,” he says brushing aside proposition that it costs a fortune to keep the plane in the air.