KAF 308 flying over the Oosterschelde in Netherlands during a flight test on August 3, 2026/ FOKKER SERVICES GROUP
Kenya’s
presidential jet, Harambee One, is back in the country after spending
nearly a year in the Netherlands undergoing extensive maintenance,
interior refurbishment, and major technological upgrades.
The Kenya Air Force
Fokker 70 aircraft, registration KAF308, returned home last month
following an extensive hangar visit undertaken by aviation
maintenance specialists Fokker Services Group.
Photos shared by
Fokker Services Group captured the aircraft in the skies over the
Oosterschelde in the Netherlands during a Customer Acceptance Flight
after completion of the maintenance and upgrade programme.
The aircraft, which
has served as Kenya’s Head of State jet for more than three
decades, underwent deep maintenance alongside interior and systems
upgrades.
One of the most
significant additions was the installation of the latest Gogo
Business Aviation FDX Satcom system, giving the aging aircraft
advanced in-flight connectivity capabilities.
KAF 308 flying over the Netherlands during a flight test on August 3, 2026/ BEN ULLINGS
Fokker Services
Group confirmed the completion of the work in a statement shared on
its official social media page.
“Early this month
we finished an extensive hangar visit of the Kenya Air Force KAF308
Head of State Fokker 70,” the company said in a statement.
“Another example
of a strong airframe that has been maintained exceptionally well over
the last 30 years.”
The company said the
programme involved more than routine maintenance.
“Deep maintenance,
interior and system upgrades, and even the newest Gogo Business
Aviation FDX Satcom system installation,” it said.
Fokker Services
Group also praised the Kenya Air Force team for maintaining the
aircraft over the years.
“Kudos to the KAF
Team for taking such good care of this Fokker 70 aircraft, in fact
one of the last ones built and delivered. Looking forward to supporting
the KAF Team for many years to come.”
Aviation
photographer Ben Ullings, whose photographs were shared by Fokker Services Group following the
Customer Acceptance Flight, said he had an opportunity to accompany
the aircraft as it approached and landed after a test flight.
“Early this
afternoon the same applied to a beautiful Fokker 70 of the Republic
of Kenya, which I could join early afternoon over the Oosterschelde at
the end of a test flight,” Ullings said in an August 3, post.
He said air traffic
controllers at Woensdrecht made it possible for the Cessna 210
aircraft he was aboard to accompany KAF308 during its approach and
touchdown.
“And thanks to
Woensdrecht ATC it was possible for the Cessna 210 to also accompany
KAF308 during approach and touchdown,” he said.
Ullings said the
photographs represented only a small selection from the flight.
“A small selection
is added here. There is a lot more on hold for near-future
publications,” he said, thanking the Fokker 70 crew and aviation
teams involved in the flight.
The installation of
the FDX Satcom system is among the major upgrades undertaken on the
aircraft.
KAF 308 flying over the Netherlands during a flight test on August 3, 2026/ BEN ULLINGS
FDX is an advanced
aircraft satellite communications technology designed to provide
high-speed internet and real-time connectivity while an aircraft is
in flight.
The system uses Low
Earth Orbit satellites to maintain a reliable connection, allowing
aircraft to send and receive large volumes of data simultaneously.
Unlike conventional
satellite communication systems, FDX, meaning Full Duplex, enables
two-way communication at the same time.
This allows secure
voice and video calls, live data transmission, internet access and
communication with ground-based operational centres.
The technology is
particularly valuable for government, military and VIP aircraft,
where continuous and secure communication can be critical during
flights.
It can also support
command-and-control functions and ensure senior government officials
remain connected while travelling through regions with limited
conventional communication networks.
Despite returning to
Kenya, the aircraft has yet to undertake an international trip since
its arrival.
Flight activity
indicates that KAF308 has instead been carrying out local operational
and test flights.
Operating under the
callsign FLOK100, the aircraft has made several domestic flights
involving Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi between August 25 and
September 1.
President William
Ruto has also yet to officially use the refurbished aircraft for
either an international trip or local presidential outing since its
return.
The return of
Harambee One ends a nearly year-long absence that had forced the
government to rely on alternative arrangements for some presidential
travel.
The aircraft has
been in service since the 1990s and has served several Kenyan
presidents, making it one of the most recognisable aircraft in the
Kenya Air Force fleet.
While the latest
overhaul and technology upgrades are expected to extend its
operational life, the return of KAF308 is also likely to revive
debate over the long-term future of Kenya’s ageing presidential
aircraft.
KAF 308 flying over the Netherlands during a flight test on August 3, 2026/ BEN ULLINGS