The North Rift region is set to experience an economic boom with the resumption of cargo flights to and from the Eldoret International Airport.
Located at the heart of the region’s rich agricultural area, the Eldoret airport has largely been underutilized by farmers who produce a variety of farm produce.
But after years of being idle (in terms of cargo transport), the airport is now billed to live up to its expectations.
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the first batch of cargo flights was scheduled to arrive.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim said the 40-tonne Astral cargo plane from Dubai had been scheduled for a touchdown at the airport at 4.00 pm, symbolizing a new dawn.
“Today marks a historic moment as cargo flights resume, a breakthrough we achieved through extensive discussions with key stakeholders,” Chelilim said.
Governors’ engagegement at Eldoret Airport
Earlier in the day, Governors from the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) met at the airport for a consultative engagement.
The meeting also involved aviation officials, the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Association of International Cargo Consolidators.
NOREB chairperson Governor Stephen Sang chaired the meeting that Elgeyo Marakwet’s Wisley Rotich also attended.
“We acknowledged the vast potential of our agriculture-rich region,” Governor Bii said.
The Eldoret International Airport will now have five flights weekly, and the county bosses have challenged farmers to take advantage of the new development.
Increase volume of cargo
Commenting on the return of cargo flights to Eldoret, Governor Rotich said “The resumption of cargo flights at Eldoret International Airport will spur business in our region.”
“The North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) region is richly blessed with Agricultural produce that will be exported through the Airport,” he added.
In addition, the Nandi Governor said they had agreed to increase the volume of cargo that will be passing through the Eldoret airport.
“Previously, the airport primarily served as a point of import, with cargo planes often returning empty. However, following extensive consultations with relevant government entities, an agreement has been reached to rejuvenate the airport’s cargo operations,” Sang said.
Key components of the revitalization plan include enhancing airport infrastructure to facilitate smoother cargo handling processes.
Additionally, the county governments within the NOREB region will collaborate with stakeholders and farmers to implement initiatives to boost exports via the airport.
