Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki embarked on his first international assignment on November 8, 2024, just a week after being sworn in. He traveled to Gaborone, Botswana, to represent President William Ruto at the inauguration of President Duma Boko, Botswana’s newly elected leader. This trip marked Kindiki’s first international journey in two years.

The Deputy President flew on a chartered Fokker 70 jet operated by Fly Skyward Express. This Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft, similar to Kenya’s official presidential jet, Harambee One, is a twin-engine regional jet originally developed by the Fokker Aircraft Company. The specific aircraft, registered as 5Y-SKX, was acquired by Skyward from the Netherlands in 2023 and previously served with Tus Airways in Cyprus, KLM Cityhopper, and SilkAir. Although registered in Kenya, the plane has yet to receive Skyward’s branding.

DP Kindiki was accompanied on the trip by Senators Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) and Eddy Oketch (Migori), as well as several Members of the National Assembly, including Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), John Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Victor Koech (Chepalungu), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).

This diplomatic visit came shortly after Kindiki bid farewell to President Ruto at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on November 6, as Ruto departed for official duties in South Sudan and Ethiopia.