The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has formally embarked on a project will will culminate in the Eldoret International Airport’s runway being expanded.
KAA says the expansion of the Eldoret International Airport’s runway will unlock new opportunities for fresh produce exporters in the North Rift region.
On Monday, June 26, 2025, the survey and design team for the runway expansion project was on site, marking a significant step toward enabling the airport to handle larger cargo aircraft and increase the volume of agricultural exports.
The team was received by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman, Caleb Kositany, along with the KAA Regional Airport Manager responsible for Eldoret International Airport and the North Rift Region, Charles Kionga.
What’s the length of Eldoret International Airport’s runway?
Discussions focused on the strategic benefits of the runway extension, which will lengthen the current 3.5-kilometer runway by 600 meters, bringing it to a total length of 4.1 kilometers.
“This critical upgrade will enable Eldoret International Airport to accommodate large-bodied cargo planes, increasing it’s payload capacity from 40 tons to 100 tons,” KAA said.
“As a result, exporters will be able to send fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, and flowers—directly to international markets, reducing reliance on road transport to Nairobi’s JKIA and significantly lowering export costs,” it added.
Meanwhile, KAA Board Chairman Caleb Kositany emphasized the impact of the project saying it will empower farmers and exporters in the North Rift, creating jobs and opening up our region to global markets.
“This is a major boost for Kenya’s agricultural value chain,” the former Soy MP said.
The Eldoret International Airport’s runway expansion is part of a broader government strategy to enhance Eldoret’s role as a logistics and export hub.
With additional investments in cargo handling and cold storage facilities, the airport is poised to handle increased volumes and support the growth of Kenya’s agri-export sector.
As the survey and design phase progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic that the runway extension will transform Eldoret International Airport into a key gateway for fresh produce exports, driving economic growth and prosperity for the region.
