noEldoret is set to become Kenya’s newest city, in an event presided over by President William Ruto where the municipality will be conferred City Status.
In a letter addressed Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii, State House announced that Eldoret Municipality has met all statutory conditions outlined in the Urban Areas and Cities Act, culminating in the approval for city status by the Senate.
“The President may, on the resolution of the Senate, confer the status of a city on a municipality that meets the criteria set out in Section 5, by grant of a charter in the prescribed form.
Pursuant to attaining statutory conditions as set out in the Urban Areas and Cities Act, the Municipality of Eldoret had received a certificate of approval from the Senate,” the letter read in part.
The county will be hosting week-long activities prior to the official ceremony to welcome the city status where President Ruto will hand over the instruments of the city conferment to Governor Bii.
“In this regard the President will grace the installation ceremony, execute and hand over the instruments of city conferment to Uasin Gishu Governor in Eldoret on Thursday August 8, 2024 at 10am,” State House said.
Eldoret which is President William Ruto’s hometown is a hub for growth and urbanization in the North Rift Region, and its elevation to city status is expected to bring forth increased investment opportunities, improved infrastructure, and heightened administrative capabilities.
“We are very excited with the big news of Eldoret finally being awarded city status. We welcome the President to the new city for the ceremony,” Bii said.
In January, the senate had given President William Ruto the go-ahead to confer Eldoret city status, making it Kenya’s 5th city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru which rose to city status in December 2021.
Eldoret has a population of about one million people and hosts some of Kenya’s key institutions as well as home to many world-class athletes.
