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Governors from the eight counties which fall under the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) have signed an agreement with the Kenya Association of International Cargo Consolidators and the Kenya Revenue Authority which will see the resumption of cargo flights at the Eldoret International Airport.

The accord marks the beginning of cargo flights which had been grounded for the past eight months due to various challenges, including inadequate jet fuel supply and a short runway.

Noreb chair and Nandi governor Stephen Sang, his counterparts Wesley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, and Uasin Gishu’s Jonathan Bii convened on Saturday to finalise the agreement.

Sang underscored Kenya Kwanza’s commitment to expand Eldoret Airport and ensure a steady supply of jet fuel for the cargo planes. 

“Previously, these planes had to refuel at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The reinstatement of cargo flights in Eldoret is poised to boost the region’s economy significantly,” said Sang.

Attract investors

Bii said the looming elevation of Eldoret Town to a city will go a long way in attracting more investors, who will benefit from the renewed cargo services, thereby catalysing economic growth across the NOREB counties.

Rotich said there was a need for the establishment of aggregation centres across various counties in a bid to stimulate the production of horticultural produce and fruits destined for global markets, promising substantial earnings for local farmers.

Daily flights

Apart from avocados, Noreb counties anticipate exporting tea, potatoes, mangoes, flowers, herbs and other horticultural products.

The deal will see 40-ton cargo flights land daily at Eldoret International Airport, presenting local farmers with an opportunity to scale up production of export-oriented goods. Noreb brings together Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Nandi, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.