Eldoret, a vibrant municipality in Uasin Gishu County, has officially been elevated to city status, marking a historic milestone in Kenya’s urban landscape. This transition was celebrated with grandeur and cultural pride on August 13, 2024, at Eldoret Sports Club, where President William Ruto and Governor Jonathan Bii signed the charter that officially bestows city status upon Eldoret. This makes Eldoret the fifth city in Kenya, joining the ranks of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
The event was a spectacle of pomp and color, featuring lively dances and cultural exhibitions that highlighted the rich heritage of the new city. The celebrations underscored Eldoret’s journey from a small administrative center to a burgeoning metropolis.
In his address, President Ruto emphasized that Eldoret had met all the necessary criteria for city designation under the Urban Areas and Cities Act. “Now therefore 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. This formal declaration solidifies Eldoret’s new status and sets the stage for its future development.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) to several distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to Eldoret’s development. Among the honorees were Vivian Cheruiyot, a three-time Diamond League champion, former Nominated MP Ezekiel Barngetuny, educationist Paul Boit, and former mayor Joseph Lesiew. Their recognition highlights the diverse talents and efforts that have shaped Eldoret into the thriving city it is today.
The elevation to city status followed the Senate’s endorsement of a report from the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, which had reviewed and approved the proposal. This legislative backing was crucial in formalizing Eldoret’s transition, underscoring the collaborative efforts between local and national authorities in advancing the city’s status.
Governor Jonathan Bii expressed optimism about the opportunities that city status will bring to Eldoret. He highlighted the potential for increased investment and economic growth, envisioning the city as a hub for business and innovation. “We are looking at opportunities that the city will bring to us. We know we will attract investors from all over the world. We need to package ourselves in a way that the whole world knows we are here,” Governor Bii stated. This forward-looking perspective aims to position Eldoret as a key player on both the national and international stages.
Eldoret’s journey to city status has deep historical roots. Established in 1908 by South African settlers fleeing British rule, the town’s initial purpose was as an administrative center. Despite early challenges in agriculture, the settlement grew, attracting more residents and eventually developing into the town of Eldoret by 1911. Today, Eldoret is a bustling urban center known for its diverse economic activities, including large-scale farming and manufacturing industries. It is also renowned for its contributions to athletics, housing the IAAF High Altitude Training Centre and being the training ground for many legendary Kenyan athletes.
The city’s evolution reflects its dynamic past and promising future. As Eldoret embraces its new status, it stands ready to leverage its historical significance, economic potential, and cultural richness to shape a vibrant and prosperous urban landscape. The transition from a municipality to a city represents not just a change in title but a significant step towards greater development and opportunity for Eldoret and its residents.
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