Moi’s Bridge, a historic town straddling the border of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Kakamega counties, is set for a major facelift as part of an urban development plan aimed at enhancing service delivery and infrastructure.
Originally known as Hoey’s Bridge, the town was named after Arthur Cecil Hoey, a colonial settler who built a bridge over the Nzoia River. The area was part of the White Highlands, where fertile land was allocated to European settlers under long-term leases. However, after Kenya gained independence in 1964, the town was renamed Moi’s Bridge, reflecting the nation’s transition to self-rule and the reclamation of its local identity.
Today, Moi’s Bridge is a bustling trading hub along the Kitale-Eldoret highway, home to a diverse and cosmopolitan community. Recognizing its growing economic and social significance, the Uasin Gishu County Government has included it among six townships slated for an upgrade to municipal status. This initiative aligns with the county’s Nguzo Kumi agenda and the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which seek to enhance urban development.
The planned upgrade will focus on improving infrastructure, waste management, and urban planning, making the town more attractive for investors. Governor Jonathan Bii has outlined a comprehensive plan that includes the construction of a fire station, better drainage systems, and improved road networks to enhance accessibility and service delivery.
The importance of these developments was underscored in January when a devastating fire ravaged over 50 shops in the market area. With no local fire station, emergency responders had to be mobilized from neighboring Trans Nzoia County, leading to significant losses for traders. This highlighted the urgent need for improved firefighting infrastructure within the town.
Residents and business owners have welcomed the facelift plans but have urged the county government to allocate sufficient funds to ensure meaningful improvements in essential services. They hope the transformation will not only enhance the town’s aesthetics but also bolster economic growth, improve governance, and provide better living conditions for the growing population.
As Moi’s Bridge prepares for this long-awaited transformation, it stands as a testament to Kenya’s evolving urban landscape and the continued efforts to uplift historic towns into modern economic centers.
