The aircraft, a Fokker 70 ER purchased in 1995 under the late President Daniel arap Moi, has served four heads of state from Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta to the current president, William Ruto. At nearly 30 years old, the jet has been at the center of public debate, with many Kenyans questioning its reliability and suitability for carrying the country’s top leader.

Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya confirmed that the plane is undergoing a year-long servicing at the Fokker Services Group in the Netherlands, the only facility still equipped to handle the aging fleet after the manufacturer ceased production in 1996. She added that this will be its final overhaul before the government commissions a new presidential aircraft.

Critics argue that the jet is outdated, pointing out its limited range of around 4,000 kilometers and a capacity of just 26 passengers, making it unsuitable for long-haul travel. As a result, presidents have often relied on Kenya Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliners for intercontinental trips an arrangement frequently criticized as wasteful.

The aircraft has also faced repeated technical glitches over the years, occasionally grounding high-profile trips, which has fueled calls for its urgent replacement.

For many Kenyans, retiring Harambee One is not just about upgrading technology but also about ensuring the safety, efficiency, and prestige of the presidency on the global stage.