A strategic gateway to East Africa and a fast-growing economic hub are among the unique qualities that Eldoret is banking on as it positions itself as Kenya’s fifth city.
Eldoret, perched at the pathway to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan and its business vibrancy are among a cocktail of qualities giving the farming town push-to its elevation.
Speaking during the launch of the citizen’s participation in the conferment of City Status to Eldoret on October 24, 2022, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim attested that the uniqueness of Eldoret should be a plus for its elevation.
The town is not only a fast-growing economic hub for up to eight counties but also a gateway to East Africa.
“These are some of the qualities that should give us an advantage,” said Bii, adding that his government is working on meeting the set requirements.
The county boss further said he is keen on environmental transformation to make Eldoret the cleanest city, making structural accessibility for persons with disability and paving the streets and modifying the buildings to make the town beautiful are some of the efforts tasks.
Improvement of services
He was categorical that they are working with stakeholders including the National Government and the private sector to develop housing schemes to address the challenge of informal settlements.
On his part, Deputy Governor Engineer John Barorot said that the key change in Eldoret will be the improvement of services.
He added that the region is cosmopolitan and keen on the integration of Kenya’s people which encompasses culture, education and medical services.
“We wish to transform the once farmers’ town into one of the most attractive cities in Kenya and the surrounding counties and countries,” Eng. noted.
Funding
Eldoret Municipality chairman, Julius Kitur and Eldoret Town Manager, Tito Koiyet, also drummed up support for the attainment of city status. They said it will be a game changer for citizens.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Uasin Gishu chair, Willy Kenei, who chairs the committee for city status, said the elevation will attract funding.
Some of the other activities that the County Government will do in the quest for Eldoret city status shall include, collaboration with stakeholders for the painting of building for aesthetic appeal, marketing cultural memorabilia to promote heritage, mitigating effects of climate change through planting trees and expansion of back lanes to provide more space for business.
The committee with a membership of stakeholders from various professional bodies among them the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) and Institution of Surveyors of Kenya among others will be receiving views from the public over the process for the next two weeks.
At the end of the process, the committee will draft a report that is expected to be tabled to the County Assembly for approval.
