Kenya Airways will today resume its flights to the Moi International Airport in Eldoret after abandoning the route nine years ago.

The first flight will touch ground at around 9am in Eldoret heightening competition in the route that currently operated by the regional flights, Fly 540 and Jetlink .

Moi International Airport manager Peter Wafula said the airline will offer a special rate of $59 (Sh4,976 ) airfare for travellers on the Eldoret-Nairobi route.

Eldoret town will be the airline's 59th destination with daily flights between Wednesday and Sunday.

While welcoming the move, Eldoret mayor William Rono said the re-launch will be a boost to domestic tourism in the North Rift.

Rono further said the jetting back of the national flag-carrier to the town was a positive gesture that reaffirmed readiness of the region for investors.

"We are appealing to all potential investors to seize the opportunity and visit our town to explore the wide range of breathtaking escapements, parks and the hospitality of our people," said Rono.

The return of Kenya Airways to Eldoret follows an initiative to market the Moi International Airport which has remained under utilised since its construction a decade ago.

Three months ago, Agriculture minister Sally Kosgey unveiled a marketing strategy to step up the use of the facility that was put up at a cost of around Sh3 billion.

Kenya Airways, which will be flying to Eldoret under the logo of Jumbo jet, withdrew from the route early in 2003 due to low number of passengers.