- Bii said the county has continued to witness a surge in demand for air transport
- The governor said the move is timely as Eldoret gears up to receive the charter to become the fifth city this year
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has welcomed the resumption of Kenya Airways flight to Eldoret.
The resumption was actualised by Ministry of Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka.
Bii said the move will open the region for trade and investment.
“We are fully prepared to ensure that every resident fully utilises this invaluable form of transportation and united under the North Rift Economic Bloc banner, we are all working towards seizing every opportunity that comes our way," he said.
Bii said the county has continued to witness a surge in demand for air transport and the successful launch is a commitment to meet this challenge head-on.
“As the county of champions, we are a beacon of opportunity in Agro-tourism, sports, medical services, the breadbasket, cultural exploration, and with KQ's return to Eldoret, we open our doors wide to local, regional, and international visitors and investors, inviting them to explore the abundant offerings of our county,” he said.
“We are the gateway to the Western region and the East African Community and with KQ's flights, we position ourselves as the premier investment and tourism destination in the global marketplace.”
The governor said the move is timely as Eldoret gears up to receive the charter to become the fifth city this year.
“As an administration, our vision is clear we are tirelessly working towards achieving city status. Our plan is not only about infrastructure; but about empowering our great and hardworking residents,”Bii said.
“I have been a steadfast advocate for diversification among our progressive farmers, keeping in mind that this crucial facility will serve as a crucial gateway for our exports from flowers to tea, goats to coffee, we have a rich array of products ready for the global market and I call upon our farmers to seize this moment, maximise their potential and reap the rewards of their hard work.”
He said KQ holds an immense potential and he thanked the management for considering Eldoret as a viable avenue and market.
“There is a world of opportunity awaiting us when we work towards increasing both passenger and cargo flights as we are strategically located, making us an ideal spot to travel to any continent while achieving shorter travel times compared to boarding in Nairobi or Mombasa and that is why there is need for airport expansion to accommodate the growing demand, enabling direct flights to international destinations,” he said.
He said under the Nguzo Kumi blueprint, his administration is currently spearheading transformative projects including the County Aggregation and Industrial Park, the Export Processing Zone and the ultra-modern retail market.
“These initiatives aim to elevate our agricultural exports and enhance the livelihoods of our great and hardworking citizens,” the govenor said.
He appreciated KQ for their strategic vision and commitment to the realisation of the resumption of flights in Eldoret.
“To all our stakeholders, I extend my deepest gratitude for your steadfast support while calling on all of us to utilize this opportunity for growth,” Bii said.