The government has conferred Eldoret a city status making it the fifth and the newest City in Kenya.
President William Ruto has presided over the ceremony at the Eldoret Sports Club and handed over the ceremonial instruments including the emblem, the seal, the national flag, as well as the county and city flags.
According to Section 5 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, for a town to be classified as a city in Kenya, it must satisfy several key requirements.
First, it must have a population of over 500,000 residents, as confirmed by the latest census. This population growth is a testament to the town’s economic potential.
The town must also have an Integrated Urban Development Plan that outlines its strategies for sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and environmental management.
Additionally, the town also needs to show the capacity to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations through innovative revenue collection methods.
They must demonstrate a good system and records of prudent management and have the capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver essential services to its residents.
It must also have institutional active participation by its residents in the management of its affairs, have infrastructural facilities and capacity for functional and effective waste disposal.
Eldoret meets all these requirements, with Uasin Gishu County having raised some Ksh1.09 billion revenue in the financial year 2023/2024.
Quick Facts of the New City
Eldoret was founded in 1912 with a Post Office.
Its first inhabitants were a large population of natives, who had moved from Nakuru, and relocated there in 1908.The land was inhabited by the Sirikwa and the Maasai; locals call it Sisibo
Eldoret Town was referred to as Farm 64, as it is 64 miles from Londiani
The name of the town was changed to Eldoret, which is derived from the Maasai word ‘Eldore’, meaning stony river, a reference to the bed of the Sosiani River, which is a tributary of the Nile that runs through the town.
Eldoret is in Uasin Gishu County, which locals call “Wareng ne Tepass”.
Benefits that Eldoret Will Enjoy as a City
Eldoret’s new status comes with several benefits including more resource mobilization strategies such as applying for grants for cities.
It will also attract private investors, which will aid the County Government in service delivery and enhance infrastructure.
City Status fosters a more dynamic local economy, boost revenue collection and increase public amenities.
What City Status Means for Locals
With increased resources cascaded to the city, residents should expect improved livelihoods and job creation. This is due to better resources and the increase in both public and private investments.
There will also be better service delivery and governance from the County Government.
Eldoret will also have better roads and public transportation, improved healthcare, education and housing
The city will also have more public amenities like parks and recreational facilities, and a more vibrant and inclusive community.
Also Read: Millionaires of Eldoret: Ruto and 4 Tycoons from Uasin Gishu
Process to Become a City
The County Government of Uasin Gishu first had to ensure that Eldoret Town met all the requisite criteria before starting the application process.
I. The Board of the municipality, upon a resolution, applied to the County Executive Committee for consideration for the conferment of City Status.
II. The Executive Committee approved the application, then the Governor constituted a committee to consider the recommendation and advice as appropriate.
III. The ad hoc committee evaluated whether the municipality met the criteria for City Status and made a recommendation.
Also Read: Another Scandal in Eldoret as ‘Investor’ Vanishes with Over Ksh1 Billion
IV. Uasin Gishu Governor then sent the recommendation to the County Assembly.
V. The County Assembly reviewed and approved the recommendation.
VI. The approved recommendation was sent to the Senate for consideration.
VI. The Senate discussed and approved the resolution, which was then forwarded to the President.
VIII. The President then conferred the City Status in an elaborate ceremony.
The City of Champions
Eldoret is a hub of athletics excellence, where many of Kenya’s most celebrated champions, including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and javelin maestro Julius Yego, live and train.
These athletes have brought immense glory to the country on the global stage, and their investments in the town have fueled its growth and progress.
A stroll through Eldoret often leads to encounters with these sports personalities, a testament to the county’s vibrant athletic community. This constant presence of champions reinforces the county’s identity and the pride of its residents.
Training camps in Uasin Gishu include the Great Rift Valley Sports Camp, 64 Stadium, Kapsait Athletics Club, Kaptagat and the Chepkorio Athletics Club, which focuses on student athletes.
Uasin Gishu’s high-altitude is key for endurance training, particularly for long-distance running, which Kenya is well known for.
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