President William Ruto’s government is sending a contradictory message to Kenyans by splurging on chartered helicopters while taxpayers grapple with a harsh economic reality.

This paints a clear picture of a disconnection between public declarations of fiscal discipline and the administration’s actions, which burden taxpayers at a time of skyrocketing costs of living and deepening public debt.

Despite pledges that he will rein in government spending, including an announcement of austerity measures, the National Treasury just issued tenders for high-end choppers for use by State officials.

This extravagance not only undermines public trust but also disregards recommendations from the International Monetary Fund to enforce fiscal discipline in managing Kenya’s finances.

Kenyans are reeling under a tax-heavy regime that has driven inflation to the high heavens and eroded disposable incomes. Millions of citizens rely on credit for basic survival, as highlighted in a Central Bank of Kenya report. Yet, instead of addressing such issues, the government is intent on wasting taxpayers’ money on unnecessary luxuries.

For context, the cost of hiring a helicopter in Kenya ranges between Sh120,000 and Sh370,000 per hour, a significant sum compared with more affordable transport options like commercial flights or the Standard Gauge Railway.

For instance, flying five passengers to Mombasa by helicopter could cost Sh350,000, whereas the same trip would cost Sh45,000 via plane or Sh7,500 by train. The government’s penchant for expensive chartered choppers not only demonstrates financial imprudence but also amplifies the burden on taxpayers.

This profligate spending comes against a backdrop of unresolved pending bills totalling Sh528.36 billion as of September 2024. These outstanding debts to private sector players continue to strain businesses and the economy, stifling growth.

Rather than allocating resources to clear these bills or fund critical development projects, the government has prioritised unnecessary expenses that offer no tangible benefit to the public.

The country’s public debt has ballooned to Sh10 trillion, necessitating revenue-led fiscal consolidation to improve debt sustainability but wasteful expenditures erode these efforts.

If this government is serious about economic recovery, it must lead by example and prioritise spending on initiatives that directly benefit Kenyans rather than indulging in luxury at taxpayers’ expense.