‘No presidential jets’ – Maraga explains his travel plan if elected
By Paulette Mboga, September 18, 2026Presidential aspirant David Maraga has said he will not have presidential jets if elected, saying he would instead take a simpler approach to travel and government spending.
Maraga said he would consider whether a trip required flying or whether he could travel by road before deciding how to move around the country. He said government aircraft would also be available for use when necessary.
“I fly, KQ. What is the big deal? Why should you have a jet, hire a jet, you are paying I don’t know how many millions per hour to serve. That is the extravagance that I will deal with firmly. And you know to deal with it, you must lead by example,” Maraga said on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while talking to Alex Mwakideu.
Maraga outlines his travel plan
Maraga said his approach would depend on the nature and urgency of each trip. He explained that he would first consider whether it was necessary to fly or whether he could be driven to his destination.
“If I want to go somewhere in the country, I would first of all weigh and see whether I want to be driven or if it is urgent that I should fly here,” Maraga said.
The presidential aspirant said government aircraft could also be used when needed. He added that his approach to international travel would also involve travelling alongside other Kenyans.
“We have government aircraft; you use them. If you are going to the US, you take KQ and fly with other Kenyans; that is how you will understand their problems,” Maraga said.
Maraga said travelling with other Kenyans would allow him to understand the problems they face. He linked this approach to his view that leaders should lead by example when dealing with government spending.
The presidential aspirant was also clear about his position on presidential jets if he gets elected. He said such aircraft would not form part of his approach to presidential travel.
“I am not going to have presidential jets; that one counts out. I will not have those jets,” Maraga said.
Maraga also said he would deal firmly with what he described as extravagance in government. He explained that leading by example would be important in changing how public resources are used.
His proposed approach would therefore involve weighing the need for air travel against road travel for trips within the country. For international trips, he said he would travel with other Kenyans rather than use presidential jets.