The upcoming august 2017 general elections have been touted to be the most flashy and competitive in the country’s history and going by the massive numbers of heavily branded cars and choppers that candidates used ahead of the just concluded party nominations, it’s evident that politicians are out to engage each other in a show of might.

The official campaign period as stated by IEBC kicks off on 8th May to 5th August, ahead of the August elections and in a country where money plays a big role in polls, Kenyans can only expect the show off to heighten.

In September last year, ODM unveiled branded 47 buses and over 800 vehicles that will be used in the campaigns after Jubilee unveiled 47 SUV’s ahead of its party launch.

Battle In The Skies

The chopper has remained the ultimate campaign tool for the wealthiest politicians, with those who don’t own them opting to lease.

Last year, The Kenya civil aviation authority (KCAA) issued At least 59 newly imported helicopters with operating licenses.

Uasin Gishu governor aspirant Zedekiah Buzeki, who is running as an independent candidate against the incumbent Jackson Mandago, plans to use six helicopters branded and 100 vehicles.

politicians who own choppers include; former Mathira MP Ephraim Maina, president Uhuru Kenyatta’s family Raila Odinga, William ruto, Peter Kenneth, Nicholas Biwott, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and the Moi family.

Small passenger helicopters cost between Sh100 and 200 million in Europe or America but the cost of import duties and final assembly in Kenya can easily double the cost to Sh400 million plus. The more upmarket Eurocopter EC135 which is also used in Kenya carries 7 passengers for 620 kilometres and costs $3.9 million (Sh390 million).