Eldoret Joins the Elite Club: A New City Status Unveiled Amid Celebrations.
- DERRICK INGARA
- Aug 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County has officially been declared Kenya’s newest city, joining the ranks of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru. The elevation of Eldoret’s status was marked by a grand ceremony at Eldoret Sports Club, filled with traditional dances and cultural displays that celebrated the city's rich heritage.
The event was graced by President William Ruto and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who together signed the city charter, solidifying Eldoret’s new status. In his speech, President Ruto highlighted that Eldoret had successfully met the stringent requirements necessary for an urban area to achieve city status.
"In exercise of the powers conferred on the head of state under section 7 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, I, Kipchirchir William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of Kenya's Defence Forces, do hereby ordain, declare, and direct that the municipality of Eldoret has been conferred with city status," declared President Ruto.
The president also took the opportunity to recognize and honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the region's development. Among those awarded the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) were three-time Diamond League champion Vivian Cheruiyot, former Nominated MP Ezekiel Barngetuny, educationist Paul Boit, and former mayor Joseph Lesiew.
Eldoret's journey to city status was set in motion after the Senate endorsed a report by the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, which approved the proposal for the upgrade. Governor Bii expressed optimism about the city’s future, emphasizing the economic benefits that are expected to follow this new status.
“We are excited about the opportunities the city will bring us. We anticipate attracting investors from across the globe. It's time to position ourselves on the world stage,” Governor Bii stated, addressing the people of Eldoret on August 13, 2024.
Eldoret’s history dates back to 1908, when South African settlers arrived in the area, fleeing British rule. After finding the region unsuitable for farming, they established an administrative center, which later grew into the town of Eldoret. Today, the city is a bustling hub with a diverse economy that includes large-scale farming and manufacturing industries. It is also renowned for its world-class athletes and serves as a key training ground, including the IAAF High Altitude Training Centre.
With its new city status, Eldoret is poised for even greater growth and prominence, setting the stage for a bright future.
Comentários