Eldoret Airport Expansion to Triple Cargo Capacity, Boosting Agri-Exports
Eldoret International Airport (EDL) is poised for a major transformation, with a runway expansion project set to significantly boost its cargo handling capacity and unlock new opportunities for fresh produce exporters in Kenya’s North Rift region. This development marks a significant step forward for the airport and the region’s agricultural sector.
The survey and design team for the runway expansion project recently visited the site, marking the official commencement of this crucial upgrade. The team was welcomed by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman, Hon. Caleb Kositany, and KAA Regional Airport Manager, Charles Kionga. Discussions centered on the strategic benefits of the runway extension, which will add 600 meters to the existing 3.5-kilometer runway, bringing the total length to 4.1 kilometers.
This expansion will enable EDL to accommodate larger cargo aircraft, increasing its payload capacity from 40 tons to 100 tons. This represents a substantial 150% increase in cargo capacity, paving the way for a significant boost in agricultural exports from the region. Exporters will be able to ship fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers, directly to international markets, reducing reliance on costly road transport to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Hon. Caleb Kositany emphasized the transformative impact of the project: “The runway expansion will empower farmers and exporters in the North Rift, creating jobs and opening up our region to global markets. This is a major boost for Kenya’s agricultural value chain.”
The North Rift region, known as Kenya’s “food basket,” is a major producer of maize, wheat, dairy, coffee, and an increasing variety of high-value horticultural products. The region’s avocado exports alone generated KES 100 million (€850,000) in 2024, highlighting the growing potential of fresh produce exports.
The EDL expansion aligns with a broader government strategy to position the airport as a key logistics and export hub. Further investments in cargo handling and cold storage facilities will enhance the airport’s capacity to handle increased volumes of perishable goods and support the growth of Kenya’s agri-export sector.
The North Rift currently exports a diverse range of agricultural products to international markets, including the European Union, Middle East, and Asia. The enhanced air cargo capacity at EDL will significantly reduce export costs and transit times, making the region’s fresh produce more competitive in global markets.
The projected increase in annual export capacity at EDL is substantial. With the ability to handle larger aircraft and increased payloads, the airport’s annual cargo throughput is expected to rise from 12,000 tons to 30,000 tons, representing a 150% increase. This growth will have a significant positive impact on the region’s economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes for farmers and exporters.
The EDL runway expansion is part of a broader trend of infrastructure development across Africa’s aviation sector. Several airports, including King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa, and Praia International Airport in Cape Verde, have undergone significant expansions to enhance their cargo handling capabilities and support regional export growth. These investments have demonstrated significant positive impacts on regional economies, boosting trade, creating jobs, and facilitating access to global markets.
The Kenyan government’s commitment to developing EDL as a key export hub reflects a broader recognition of the importance of efficient air cargo infrastructure in driving economic growth. By reducing logistics costs and transit times, these investments enhance the competitiveness of African agricultural products in international markets and contribute to the sustainable development of the continent’s agricultural sector.
As the survey and design phase of the EDL runway expansion progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the project’s transformative potential. The enhanced cargo capacity, combined with ongoing investments in logistics and cold storage facilities, will position EDL as a key gateway for fresh produce exports, driving economic growth and prosperity for the North Rift region and beyond.
