Kenya’s presidential aircraft is one of the country's most recognisable government aircraft, but much of its history is less familiar outside aviation circles. Known as Harambee One and registered KAF308, the aircraft is a Fokker 70 operated by the Kenya Air Force for VIP and presidential transport.
The aircraft has been part of Kenya’s presidential fleet for more than three decades and has served several administrations.
1. Harambee One Is a Fokker 70
Harambee One is a Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER), a twin-engine Dutch regional jet. Its registration is KAF308.
The aircraft was acquired by Kenya to strengthen the country's VIP transport capability and became part of the Kenya Air Force fleet in 1995.
The Fokker 70 was developed as a shortened version of the Fokker 100 and became known primarily as a regional passenger aircraft.
2. It Arrived in Kenya in 1995
The aircraft was officially received at Moi Air Base in Nairobi on December 20, 1995.
Before being delivered to Kenya, it underwent flight and acceptance testing in the Netherlands. The delivery flight then brought the aircraft from Europe to Kenya, with stops including Iraklion in Greece and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
That makes 2025 the aircraft's 30th year in Kenya.
3. Daniel Moi Was the First President to Fly It
Although Harambee One is associated with the Kenyan presidency generally, its first presidential user was Daniel arap Moi.
Moi first used the aircraft for an official trip to Uganda on January 25, 1996, shortly after it had arrived in Kenya.
The aircraft subsequently served later Kenyan presidents, including Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto.
4. It Does Not Have the Seating Capacity of a Normal Fokker 70
A standard Fokker 70 was designed to carry around 70 passengers and crew.
Harambee One has a very different configuration. According to an account of the aircraft's acquisition, the presidential version was configured for 26 people, with part of its cargo space taken up by additional fuel tanks intended to extend its range.
The aircraft therefore functions very differently from a conventional airline Fokker 70.
5. Its Official Registration Is KAF308
The name Harambee One is the aircraft's familiar presidential designation, but its aircraft registration is KAF308.
The aircraft is operated by the Kenya Air Force rather than by Kenya Airways. Recent reporting in 2026 continued to identify KAF308 as Kenya's presidential Fokker 70.
This distinction matters because Kenya also operates commercial aircraft through Kenya Airways, which are frequently used for long-distance presidential travel.
6. The Aircraft Has Been Used for More Than One Presidency
Harambee One has had an unusually long association with Kenya's executive branch.
Its operational history stretches from the Daniel Moi era through the presidencies of Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto.
That gives the aircraft a rare place in Kenya's modern aviation history because the same airframe has remained associated with successive administrations.
7. It Has Undergone Major Maintenance in the Netherlands
Age does not mean the aircraft has simply been left unchanged.
In 2026, Harambee One underwent an extensive overhaul in the Netherlands. The work included deep maintenance, interior refurbishment and upgrades to onboard systems. Fokker Services Group announced completion of the major hangar visit in August 2026.
The work was considerably more extensive than routine servicing.
8. It Has Been Associated With Moi Air Base
Harambee One has historically been associated with Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, which has been an important base for Kenya's military aviation operations.
The aircraft was delivered to the air base when it arrived in Kenya in December 1995. Recent reporting also continues to identify Moi Air Base as its historic home.
9. It Is Not Kenya’s Main Aircraft for Every Long International Journey
Despite being the presidential aircraft, Harambee One is not automatically used for every presidential trip abroad.
Kenyan presidents have also travelled on commercial aircraft, particularly when the destination and mission requirements make a larger long-haul aircraft more appropriate. Kenya Airways has consequently remained part of Kenya's presidential travel arrangements.
The Fokker 70's design as a regional jet also means its capabilities differ considerably from those of modern long-haul aircraft.
10. Harambee One Is Older Than Many Kenyans Realise
The aircraft entered Kenyan service in 1995, meaning it has been part of the country's government aviation fleet since the 20th century.
Its continued operation, followed by the extensive 2026 overhaul, makes Harambee One one of the longest-serving aircraft associated with Kenya's presidential transport system.
