Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has explained why he believes Eldoret should be elevated to city status.
Governor Bii said on Tuesday the town famed for athletics and farming. It is also a strategic gateway to East Africa and a fast growing economic hub, making it a unique town to be Kenya’s fifth city.
Bii said the town perched on the pathway to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan also has high potential for business vibrancy. It is a strong destination for international investors.
“We have a unique town whose time to be elevated to city status is long overdue,” he said.
The governor was speaking during the launch of the citizen’s participation on Eldoret's elevation to city status. It is being held daily until November 10 to collect views from the public.
Bii said Eldoret was not only a fast-growing economic hub for as many as eight counties in the North Rift, but also a gateway to other countries in the region.
“These are some of the qualities that should give us an advantage and my administration is working to ensure we meet all other requirements for the city status," Bii said.
The governor said he was keen on environmental transformation to make Eldoret the cleanest city with structural accessibility for persons with disability and also to beautify the town so that it's more attractive to visitors.
The county, he said, was working with stakeholders including the national government and the private sector to develop housing schemes to address the challenge of informal settlements in Eldoret
Deputy Governor John Barorot said the key change in Eldoret will be the improvement of services once it's elevated to city status.
He added that region is cosmopolitan and they are keen on integration of Kenya’s people with different cultures while also ensuring easy access to education and medical services.
“We wish to transform the farmers town into one of the most attractive cities in Kenya and the surrounding counties and countries,” Barorot said.
Eldoret Municipality chairman Julius Kitur and Eldoret town Manager Tito Koiyet also supported city status. They said it will be a game changer for residents.
Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu branch Willy Kenei chairs the committee tasked with working on city status.
He said the elevation will help the town to attract more investors and funding for social and economic projects.
The county government plans to undertake collaboration with stakeholders, especially the business community to paint buildings for aesthetic appeal, market cultural memorabilia to promote heritage, mitigate effects of climate change through planting trees and expand back street lanes to provide more space for business.
Bii said he was confident the town would attain the city status during his tenure.
(Edited By V. Graham)
