The Eldoret route will be served by the new Embraer E190 jets that Kenya Airways is in the process of acquiring and will fully own. photo/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 – Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced an expansion of its regional network with the introduction of flights to Eldoret.
The airline is set to operate 10 flights weekly to Eldoret from October 17.
“The addition of Eldoret, a city of great significance economically, academically as well as in the country’s sporting circles, to our network, is in line with our core purpose of contributing to sustainable development, not only in Kenya, but also the rest of the African continent,” Kenya Airways Chief Executive Titus Naikuni said.
Under its regional expansion plan, KQ aims at strengthening its regional presence in the country as Kenya moves towards a devolved government structure that will open up new opportunities.
Naikuni noted that the new route is one of those that will be served by the new Embraer E190 jets that Kenya Airways is in the process of acquiring and will fully own.
Three out of the nine jets have already been delivered and the rest are expected by November 2013.
The introduction of flights to Eldoret comes as the airline prepares to launch a low cost airline in coming months.
Eldoret, taken from the Maasai word “eldore” meaning “stony river” due to its proximity to the Sosiani River, is currently the 5th largest town in Kenya.
The popular town houses Moi University, one of Kenya’s seven public universities, as well as its own International Airport.
Eldoret sits in the middle of a rich agricultural region that is not only considered Kenya’s bread basket, but also a crucial source of cash crops such as wheat and pyrethrum.
It is also well known for its contribution to Kenya’s legendary prowess on the athletics tracks. Its high altitude makes it conducive for sports training.
