The North Rift Region has received a trade boost after the Eldoret Airport was cleared to resume cargo flights after an eight-month hiatus.
Speaking at the Airport, North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) leaders led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii alongside Kenya Association of International Cargo Consolidators (KAICC) struck an agreement with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to allow the resumption of cargo flights.
Further details reveal that the airport will receive 5 cargo flights a week with the first cargo flight landing at the airport on Saturday, March 9.
The aircraft landed from Dubai with the local carrier expected to increase the number of flights gradually.
A section of the entrance of the lounge at Eldoret International Airport
Photo
Eldoret International Airport
Previous reports indicated that the flights were halted over the lack of capacity, shortage of jet fuel and short runways within the airport.
It was also reported that planes which had been operating before the halt were being forced to fuel at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over fuel shortage.
Additionally, another reason that contributed to the halt of the flights was the stalemate between the transporters and KRA over customs.
However, speaking at the relaunch, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii explained that NOREB’s agreement was set to boost the region’s trade as well as KRA’s collections.
“It is very important to note that this facility has given us the opportunity to invite investors, from all over the world and if we have these things running most of the job opportunities will be sorted,” explained Bii.
Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi County also noted that the halting of the flights by the airport had frustrated the government’s efforts to improve horticulture in the region.
Previously, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen had also disclosed that the government was working towards the expansion of the runway to 4.1 Kilometres up from 3.5 kilometres.
In a bid to promote the airport’s capacity and Eldoret town’s growth to city status, the CS had also cited the development of more cold rooms and a jet fuel station on a 50-acre plot of land.
Photo of an ongoing loading of a cargo plane
Photo
D Freight
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