East African safari air launch inaugural flight for Wilson Airport-Eldoret-Lodwar route.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago EGH on Monday officially launched the inaugural East African Safari Air from Wilson Airport to Eldoret and Lodwar.

The airline in the new route will have three weekly flights for a start before upgrading to daily flights later.

Speaking during the launch of the new route, Governor Mandago assured the airline of a guaranteed business in the region.

He also pointed out that with Eldoret a key economic and business hub for not only North Rift region but also parts of East African countries, there is a huge potential for a growth in the air travel business.

“Eldoret hosts several serious government instalations like the Kenya Pipeline, and we also have many business persons leaving Eldoret to Entebe almost on a daily basis which is an opportunity for business growth,” he noted.

“We also have a huge potential for business locally if we make travels easy by opening up flight to towns like Kitale and Nakuru from Eldoret town as it takes a lot of time travelling by road,” the county boss added.

He also expressed the need for the Eldoret International Airport to be expanded and equipped so as to be able to handle more fresh produce like flowers which are usually exported.

Speaking at the same function, the East African Safari Air Managing Director, George Kivindyo said the Nairobi-Eldoret-Lodwar flight seeks to among others promote inter cultural relationship with the two counties of Uasin Gishu and Turkana.

“There is a lot of business between Eldoret and Lodwar,” Kivindyo added.

Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Mary Njogu, on her part said Eldoret being the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) hub, the new flight will help enhance tourism in the region, which has a vast untapped potential.

“With more toursists coming into this region, we will be able to improve livelihoods for many locals through tourism,” CECM Njogu said.

Almost similar sentiments were shared by her Trade Counterpart Dr Emily Kogos who said Uasin Gishu is best placed to handle the tourism sector – being an investiment hub in the region.

According to Dr Kogos, the county has over 40,000 beds available in the hotel industry and over 70,000 registered businesses.

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi and County Executive Member Finance CPA Julius Ruto were in attendance.