Your guide to Eldoret.
Everything you need to arrive, stay, and get around for the Kenya Software & AI Summit — your companion for three days in Kenya's Rift Valley tech and athletics hub.
Figures above are approximate and change over time — confirm current rates and fees with the official sources linked below before you travel.
Flights & entry to Eldoret
Two things to lock in before you travel: how you're getting to Eldoret, and an approved eTA. Here's what a smooth arrival looks like.
01 · Flying in
Touchdown at Eldoret International (EDL)
EDL is a small, single-terminal airport in Kapseret, about 16km from town. It mainly handles domestic flights — Kenya Airways and Jambojet both fly the Nairobi–Eldoret route, taking roughly 45–60 minutes.
02 · Visa & entry
The Kenya eTA, simplified
Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization for most visitors, applied for in advance — airlines can deny boarding without an approved eTA.
- Fee: $30 flat, all visitor types
- Official portal: etakenya.go.ke
- Validity: 90 days from approval
- Apply: at least 7–10 days before travel
Getting from the airport
- Uber / Bolt — both apps operate in Eldoret; book from arrivals. Coverage is thinner than Nairobi, so allow extra time.
- Airport taxis — available outside arrivals; agree the fare before you get in.
- Hotel transfer — arrange ahead with your hotel for a fixed-price pickup.
- Car hire — desks are limited at EDL; booking through a Nairobi-based agency ahead of time is more reliable.
By road, if you'd rather not fly
Long-distance coaches (Easy Coach, Mash Poa, Modern Coast, and others) run daily between Nairobi and Eldoret via Nakuru, taking around 6 hours. There's no rail link into Eldoret, so flights and road coaches are the two realistic options.
eTA exemptions
EAC citizens — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & the DRC — don't need an eTA. Most other African Union nationals are fee-exempt but must still apply. Confirm your case at etakenya.go.ke.
On arrival
Have your approved eTA (printed or on your phone), passport, and return ticket ready. Save your eTA as an offline copy — connectivity at the immigration counter isn't guaranteed. Once your registration is confirmed, you can request a summit invitation letter to support your application.
Getting around & spending
Uber and Bolt both operate in Eldoret, though less densely than in Nairobi. The town runs on the shilling — cards at larger hotels, cash and M-PESA everywhere else.
Staying near town? The venue is a short ride.
Sessions run at Moi University's Annex Campus. Book accommodation within Eldoret town or along the campus route to keep the daily commute short and predictable.
Getting around
- Uber & Bolt — the most convenient option; check both apps rather than relying on one, and allow extra time for early-morning session starts.
- Matatus — cheapest option for common town routes; no fixed schedule, and not ideal with luggage.
- Fares vary by route and demand — check the in-app estimate before booking rather than relying on a fixed number.
Money tips
- Carry some cash. Keep KES on hand for matatus, small vendors, and tips.
- Use safe ATMs. Withdraw inside banks or malls (e.g. Rupa's Mall) rather than standalone street machines.
- Tell your bank. Flag your travel dates so your card isn't blocked for overseas use.
Exchange rates · approximate, mid-2026
Best rates at major banks (Equity, KCB). M-PESA mobile money is accepted almost everywhere in town.
Tipping
- Not mandatory, but appreciated. 10% at restaurants is a good default where a service charge isn't already on the bill.
- Hotel porters: roughly KES 100–200 per bag. Housekeeping: KES 200–500 left daily for multi-night stays.
- Taxi and ride-hailing drivers don't expect a tip — rounding up the fare is a welcome gesture.
Where to stay & eat
Base yourself in Eldoret town or along the route to Moi University's Annex Campus, then eat your way through a city known for hearty, high-altitude fare and its running culture.
Hotels & BnB stays
Look for accommodation within Eldoret town and along the route to Moi University's Annex Campus for the easiest commute to and from sessions each day — most delegates arrange a taxi or ride-hailing service for the short trip onto campus. October is a moderately busy period in town, so book early and confirm Wi-Fi quality directly with the property if you need it for work calls outside summit hours.
Food & local flavor
Nyama choma, Eldoret-style
Smoky, slow-grilled meat shared straight off the board is Kenya's defining meal, and Eldoret does it well. Pair it with ugali, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and a cup of Kenyan coffee. Eldoret is nicknamed the "City of Champions" for its long line of world-class distance runners — you'll notice a genuine running culture in the local food scene, with an emphasis on hearty, high-carb staples that fuel altitude training.
Rupa's Mall and Zion Mall in town both have food courts, supermarkets, and several casual restaurants if you want a familiar, air-conditioned option between sessions — Zion Mall on Uganda/Malaba Road is one of the oldest and most central.
Experience Eldoret
The three summit days connect you to delegates — the time around them connects you to Kenya's Rift Valley. Eldoret sits at over 2,000m and is the heart of the country's long-distance running culture, with the Great Rift Valley on its doorstep.
Day trip: Iten viewpoint, the running capital
About 50km from Eldoret, Iten sits at roughly 2,400m and is home to training camps for some of the world's best distance runners. It also has one of the best viewpoints over the Great Rift Valley, looking down on the Kerio Valley, Kerio River, and the Tugen and Cherangani Hills — worth the trip for the view alone if you have a free half-day.
Scenic spots & green spaces
Eldoret Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
A green, well-tended arboretum in town with labelled plant species, walking paths, and a peaceful setting for a quiet stroll or a family outing — an easy, low-key break between sessions.
Kesses Dam
A quiet reservoir just outside town, popular for a short escape and some birdwatching.
Eldoret Nature & Culture Centre
A relaxed spot in town combining green space with local cultural exhibits — good for a short break between sessions.
Zion Mall & Rupa's Mall
If you'd rather shop than sightsee, both malls in town mix supermarkets, local boutiques, cafes, and casual dining — Zion Mall is one of the oldest and most central, right on Uganda/Malaba Road.
A few more if you have extra time
Everything for the summit days
Where to be, who to call, and what to confirm before you land in Eldoret.
THE VENUE & LOGISTICS
Moi University Annex Campus
Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
- RegistrationSee the summit registration page
- Event appComing closer to the event
USEFUL CONTACTS
- Nairobi/Kenya emergency999 or 112
- Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital+254 706 390391
- Kenya Airwayskenya-airways.com
- eTA supportetakenya.go.ke
YOUR PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
- Register for the summit
- Apply for the Kenya eTA (7–10 days before travel)
- Book your flight or coach to Eldoret
- Request a summit invitation letter, if you need one
- Book accommodation near the venue
- Install Uber and Bolt before you fly
- Buy a local SIM (Safaricom or Airtel) on arrival
- Tell your bank about your travel dates