The ongoing expansion of Eldoret International Airport’s runway is set to significantly boost Kenya’s agricultural export sector, particularly for farmers and agri-businesses in the North Rift region.
The project, which involves extending the current 3.5-kilometer runway by 600 meters to a total length of 4.1 kilometers, will enable the airport to accommodate wide-body cargo aircraft with payloads of up to 100 tonnes more than double its current capacity.
National strategy
This week, the survey and design team overseeing the upgrade was received on-site by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman Hon. Caleb Kositany and Regional Airport Manager Charles Kionga. The visit included a technical briefing on the expansion’s scope and expected economic impact.
“This project will empower local farmers and exporters by reducing logistics costs and creating direct links to international markets,” said Kositany. “It’s a transformative step for the region’s economy.”
The runway upgrade is part of a broader national strategy to develop Eldoret into a key logistics and export hub. Supporting investments are underway in cold storage, cargo handling, and value chain infrastructure to bolster the export of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. The initiative is also expected to relieve congestion at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and open up new international trade routes for Kenya’s high-value horticultural products.