NAIROBI, Kenya- A rare off-road vehicle used by President William Ruto while hosting Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at his Kilgoris residence has drawn public attention over its design, capability, and estimated value.
The vehicle, identified as a 2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP 5, is a specialised five-seat utility terrain vehicle (UTV) built for challenging environments, including rough trails, countryside terrain, and off-road exploration.
President Ruto was seen personally driving his Somali counterpart from the location where the visiting leader’s helicopter landed to his residence, with the unusual mode of transport attracting interest beyond the diplomatic meeting.
According to dealership listings, the Polaris XPEDITION XP 5 has an estimated price of about Sh4.27 million (USD 32,999), although local market pricing may vary depending on import costs and specifications.
Built for Rough Terrain
The XPEDITION XP 5 is powered by a 999cc ProStar 1000 Gen 2 twin-cylinder engine producing 114 horsepower, giving it the performance needed for demanding terrain.
The vehicle comes with selectable two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and VersaTrac Turf Mode, allowing drivers to adjust traction depending on the surface.
Its capabilities make it suitable for areas such as Narok County, where uneven roads and off-road conditions are common.
The automatic vehicle uses electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology and has a fuel capacity of 47.3 litres.
It also features a towing capacity of about 907 kilograms and a rear dumping cargo box capable of carrying up to 600 pounds.
Advanced Technology Features
Beyond its rugged design, the Polaris XPEDITION XP 5 includes several technology features aimed at improving navigation, safety, and convenience.
The vehicle is equipped with Polaris’ 7-inch RIDE COMMAND touchscreen, GPS navigation, rear-view camera, JBL Trail Pro audio system, and electronic power steering.
It also supports connected vehicle services and remote monitoring capabilities.
Rare Vehicle in Kenya
The model remains uncommon in Kenya, with only a limited number believed to be available locally.
There is no public registry showing the exact number of units in the country, but industry observers say the vehicle is among the more specialised off-road machines on Kenyan roads.
The vehicle is distributed through an official dealer based in Malindi, which serves Kenya and the wider East African region.
The appearance of the Polaris XPEDITION XP 5 during the presidential engagement has renewed interest in specialised vehicles designed for extreme terrain, particularly in regions where conventional vehicles may struggle to navigate.
