The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), recognizes the immense potential of horticulture farming in the region. In a bid to support local farmers and boost the export market, the representative visited Eldoret International Airport to discuss ways to streamline the export process.

During the meeting at the Airport, Agriculture Director Reuben Seroney highlighted the current predicament faced by exporters in the region. He stated that most exporters are forced to transport their produce to Nairobi, which incurs additional costs and logistical challenges.

Recognizing the need for an efficient export process, the county government and AFA decided to explore the possibility of partnering with the Eldoret International Airport.

The visit to the airport is an important step towards establishing this partnership.

The representatives from the county government and AFA aimed to understand the challenges faced by the airport and identify potential solutions. By working together, they hope to create an export system that allows farmers to directly export their products from the airport, eliminating the need for lengthy transportation to Nairobi.

This partnership holds great promise for the horticulture growers in Uasin Gishu County. Direct export from the airport would not only save costs but also reduce the time it takes for their products to reach international markets. This would result in fresher produce reaching consumers, ultimately leading to increased demand and profitability for the farmers.

Furthermore, the collaboration between the county government and AFA demonstrates their commitment to supporting local agriculture and promoting economic growth in the region. By investing in the infrastructure and logistics needed for direct export, they are creating a conducive environment for herb and spice growers to thrive.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of transforming Uasin Gishu County into an agricultural hub and attracting more investors to the region.

On her part, Christine Chesaro Rotich MD AFA-HCD, AFA will provide support to farmers in terms of marketing, quality control, and certification to ensure that their products meet international standards.

Airport manager Mr. Walter Akong promise to work with the county to not only export herbs and spices, but will also explore opportunities to export other agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

“This is in line with the government’s efforts to promote agricultural exports as a key driver of economic growth and development”, said Akong

The partnership between the county government, AFA, and the airport is expected to create new opportunities for farmers in Uasin Gishu and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in the region