President William Ruto alighted the KAF 308 - popularly known as Harambee One - on Thursday, March 30, as he arrived in the country from his European trip.
Just as in the case of Ruto, the presidential jet has served Kenya's Heads of State since 1995.
The plane - Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) - first touched down in Kenya at the Moi Air Base on December 20, 1995, and was received by President Daniel Moi.
KAF 308 was manufactured in the Netherlands according to Kenya Air Force's commemorative book - Kenya Air Force Story 1964-2014.
The plane was a 70-seater plane. However, it was modified to accommodate 26 passengers and give space to the VVIPS on board.
Given the important role, the military sent a delegation to inspect the manufacture with another team of cabin crew also taken to Europe for training.
The plane's first captain Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi narrated that the outlook of the plane took them in awe as they settled on the bird to transport their Commanders in Chief.
"The first sight of our Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) Presidential aircraft, tail number KAF 308, will remain in our memories for a long time to come.
"It struck most of us as the most beautiful plane we had ever seen. It looked elegant with a splendid outside finish," he stated.
Kenya Air Force also detailed that the plane was acquired to save costs. Purchasing one was cheaper than a lease.
"The idea of acquiring a new aircraft to cover more distance around the African continent and even to other countries was then conceived.
"This was due to the cost and convenience of having a Presidential jet as opposed to hiring a plane," read an excerpt in the KAF book.
KAF 308 was also fitted with security features given that they transport Heads of State. Details of the security system have never been made public for security concerns.
Additionally, photos of the interior have never been made public for security reasons. Various reports project the jet to be worth Ksh2 billion.
Kenya Air Force maintains the plane, hence the number KAF 308 printed on its tail.
