Speaking during the resumption of the route, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the move marks a significant milestone in the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) to ease transport.
"This morning (Monday), I had the honour of presiding over the resumption of Kenya Airways (KQ) flights to Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, after a 10-year break. This marks a significant milestone in the NOREB region and its neighbouring counties, a stamp of confidence and hope for the economic enrichment of one of our country's food baskets," Murkomen stated.
"KQ's Eldoret route will facilitate crucial connections between families, foster business opportunities, and nurture the growth of the tourism industry in this region. Students, farmers, traders and sportspeople now have a gateway to the world through the easy connection that KQ offers."
Murkomen praised the national carrier over its expansive route network which entails 44 direct destinations across four continents, 37 in Africa and several code-share destinations.
"We also celebrate KQ's international footprint. The airline boasts an extensive route network, including 44 direct destinations across four continents, 37 of these in Africa. This, coupled with many codeshares and alliance partnerships, enables even more extensive reach," Murkomen added.
The CS has also urged farmers in the NOREB region to take full advantage of the increasingly diversified transport logistics to connect to and maximise opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the Kenya-US African Growth Opportunity Agreement (AGOA).
KQ flights to Eldoret
KQ will fly five times a week to Eldoret, with fares starting from Ksh8,700.
"My Ministry is excited that the national carrier is increasingly aligning itself with and supporting the Government's development goals. As we celebrate this milestone, my Ministry recognises the efforts of all stakeholders involved in making this day a reality, including our parliamentary committees for allocating funds for the sector, government agencies, private sector partners, and the local community," he added.
"Notably, I appreciate the leadership of the county governments of Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Bungoma, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia, among others."
Recently, Murkomen said the national carrier, which has been making losses over the last 12 years, is on its way to recovery.
According to Murkomen, the passenger numbers surged to 2.3 million, an impressive 43 per cent growth from 1.6 million, and the earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, amortisation and rent costs (EBITDAR) witnessed a commendable upswing of 7 points.
“Our gross profit improved by an impressive 131 per cent, resulting in these commendable outcomes. We acknowledge that our legacy debt did bring down the impressive operating results primarily due to the huge forex losses because of the depreciation of the Kenya shilling against US dollar,” the CS said.
