Eldoret Municipality has made another remarkable step in its pursuit to attain city status.
This is after the ad hoc committee on the conferment of Eldoret town to Kenya’s fifth city finalized and handed over the report to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim.
In the report handed over to the county boss on Tuesday, the committee led by its chairperson Mr. Willy Kenei, unanimously agreed that Eldoret municipality has met all the requisite requirements to be elevated into a city after the score on recommendation surpassed 93 percent on residents reports and 100 percent on provisions requirements in the urban areas and cities (Amendment) act, 2019.
“We conducted a public participation where the various stakeholders were engaged on the suitability of our municipality to be a city and our findings came with a 93 per cent approval,” said Kenei.
Governor Chelilim commended the ad hoc committee and the secretariat for their tireless efforts and dedication to come up with the report which was key guide in ensuring the town was on the right track to attaining city status.
He pointed out that he is going to do his role in accordance with the provisions of the law to forward the report to the County Assembly, who will discuss and give further recommendations.
“My wish is to see the process hastened and if I had a chance, I would have handed over the report to the County Assembly today, that’s how urgent I would wish to see us granted the charter. City status will go a long way in expanding our businesses and our status as the city of champions,” he said.
In his remarks Uasin Gishu Assembly Speaker Philip Muigei, assured of the County assembly’s support to the process.
He added that the attainment of city status would enhance Eldoret’s capacity in serving the North Rift region since it is a transit corridor to the northern part of the country and the gateway to the entire East Africa Community. It is also the headquarters of the North Rift Economic bloc (NOREB).
The Municipality Manager Mr. Tito Koiyet lauded the teamwork spirit embraced by the members of the committee in moving around the county to gather public opinion on the elevation of the town into city.
“We have gone round asking for opinions for the elevation of our municipality and almost everyone was in agreement that Eldoret becoming a city was long overdue. I thank the committee for their sacrifices to see to it that we handover the report today,” said Koiyet.
Municipality Board Chairperson Mr. Julius Kitur noted that city elevation would open a way for many opportunities in terms of job creation, improved infrastructure among others, that will benefit the residents of the city and the county at large.
“We are already in the limelight internationally because Eldoret is also a sports’ hub and has the best climate. With approval of the conferment by the Assembly and the Senate, then the president will confer Eldoret city status,” said Mr. Kitur.
Present in the event were Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot, County Secretary Edwin Bett, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, Municipality Board Members, Ad hoc Committee Members, Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Judy Too
