Uasin Gishu roads executive Abraham Serem /MATHEWS NDANYI
Uasin Gishu county has deployed planning experts to develop a new infrastructure master plan for Eldoret City, focusing on expansion and industrial opportunities.
The master plan will draw lessons from cities such as Kigali in Rwanda and Seoul in South Korea. Governor Jonathan Bii said the county is targeting a smart city blueprint for Eldoret, which was elevated to Kenya’s fifth city a year ago.
The plan has already been discussed by the county executive, after which Bii directed the county executive for roads, Abraham Serem, to lead the process with planning experts.
Eldoret is one of Kenya’s fastest-growing cities, with its population rising to about 700,000 from 485,000 in 2019, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
The rapid growth has strained existing infrastructure and resources, prompting the county to seek homegrown solutions. The county has launched stakeholder engagement forums to ensure a comprehensive plan anchored on sustainable infrastructure.
On Tuesday, Serem presented proposals for a long-term framework to transform Eldoret into a modern, livable city. The proposals emphasise integrated transport systems, smart technologies for service delivery, improved urban management, and the creation of green spaces.
According to Serem and finance executive Micah Rogony, the goal is to establish a smart city that promotes sustainable growth, social equity, environmental health, and prosperity for future generations.
The meeting was attended by Eldoret City manager Elzeba Busienei, chief officers Eliud Chemaget (finance), Mary Kerich (urban planning), Geoffrey Tanui (roads), Nixon Cheplong and departmental directors.
“We will also involve residents so they can give suggestions on how best to develop the smart city of Eldoret,” Serem said. A new board has been appointed to manage the affairs of Eldoret City.
The Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board re-appointed Julius Kitur as chairman of the Eldoret City Board for a seven-year term. He previously served as chairman of the Eldoret Municipal Board for 10 years, until the town attained city status.
A month ago, Kitur had expressed his willingness to serve on the city’s management board if re-appointed by the county administration. “If I am re-appointed, I will serve with dedication,” he said.
The newly appointed members of the Eldoret City Board include Ruth Limo, Alice Kositany, David Maize, Paul Chemmuttut and Kenya National Union of Teachers official Sammy Bor. All six positions had been advertised, and the appointments were made through a competitive recruitment process conducted by the board.
This development comes a month after Elzeba Busienei was sworn in as the new manager of Eldoret City, pledging to improve services for residents. She becomes the first woman to hold the position, succeeding Tito Koiyet, whose term expired three months ago.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Uasin Gishu county headquarters in Eldoret and was graced by Governor Bii. He is also expected to witness the swearing-in of the new city board members. Following her oath of office, Busienei was presented with the instruments of the city, marking the formal transfer of executive urban authority and responsibilities.
“I am greatly honoured to get
the opportunity to serve residents
of Eldoret and promise that I will
work with everyone to transform
the city,” she said.
