Governor Kenneth Lusaka who also doubles as chairperson Council of Governors Agriculture Committee has called on the National Government to upscale the utilization of Eldoret International Airport to enable the facility play a pivotal role in positioning the region as a competitive player in the global horticultural market.
Speaking on behalf of Council of Governors during a stakeholders meeting at in Eldoret, Lusaka said it is paradoxical that produce from regions near Eldoret journey hundreds of kilometers to Nairobi, calling for a candid discussion on the feasibility and the immense possibilities of re-routing western Kenya’s exports through Eldoret International Airport.
‘’Eldoret is more than just an airport; it’s an untapped reservoir of opportunity. With proper investment and a forward-looking infrastructure plan, Eldoret can serve as an alternate hub,’’ added Lusaka
The Council proposed a number of interventions that will transform this vision into reality. This includes Runway Expansion to accommodate larger cargo aircrafts, Cargo Terminal Development with advanced facilities for handling, processing, and storage of horticultural products, Cold Storage Facilities equipped with temperature control systems to maintain product freshness.
The Council also Proposes installation of Phytosanitary and Quality Inspection Facilities, Customs Clearance Process, Integrated Logistics Partnerships, Air Cargo Alliances, Quality Assurance and Certification, Market Linkages and Export Financing.
In a move that will see an elevation of the horticultural value chain and reduced cost of production, the Council has pushed for tax exemptions on agricultural inputs and machinery.
Cabinet Secretary, Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors, Principal Secretaries, National Government and County Representatives, Private Sector Representatives were present.
