The County Government of Uasin Gishu is in the final stages of implementing key flagship projects, ahead of Eldoret town being elevated to city status on 15 August 2024.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim says beautification of the town in readiness for the conferment ceremony to be presided over by President William Ruto and speedy implementation of physical facilities such as tarmacking of roads within the town and informal settlement areas were on course.
The Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works, Governor Bii added, is at the forefront in ensuring all road networks and other infrastructure projects within Eldoret town are well maintained to the required standards to serve their purpose for the success of the event.
“The elevation of Eldoret to city status is long overdue. Its strategic location, and facilities makes it a central place for people from Western, North Rift region and neighbouring countries, to seek their goods and services here,” stated Governor Bii.
He added, “Eldoret town boasts of some high-end hotel facilities, and second to Nairobi as a major medical hub, hosting top class hospitals such as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the second largest referral hospital in the country, and is destined for medical tourism.
Eldoret town boasts of more than 40 financial institutions, and is also a major education destination, hosting top universities including Eldoret and Moi universities,” added the Governor
“The majority of Kenya’s international athletes who have brought glory to our country globally are based in Uasin Gishu, hence the name County of Champions,”Bii observed.
He said those visiting Eldoret town have no reason to be bored as they can relax while enjoying their time at Arboretum and also at Nandi Park, which is just within the town’s central business district coupled with good climatic conditions.
Governor Bii’s Administration has so far undertaken the completion of electrification and street lighting projects in the town and also informal settlement areas such as Munyaka, Langas, Mwanzo, Huruma, Kidiwa, Kapsoya, and Shauri, where the region has enhanced security by installing high mast security lights.
While on an inspection tour of drainage clean-up exercise of Hill School to Unity homes areas along the busy Eldoret CBD -Eldoret International Airport Road, Roads Chief Officer Eng. Abraham Kiptalam, said the County Government has made significant progress in the improvement of roads, maintenance of street lights, and opening of blocked drainages within the town and informal settlement areas.
He added, “We aim to open up all drainages that were blocked to ensure free flow of storm water which has been a major challenge in Eldoret town and its environs, during heavy rains.”
Eng. Kiptalam said the measures will go a long way in ensuring all link roads are well maintained and accessible to facilitate smooth transportation of goods and services in addition to reducing traffic jams in Eldoret, especially during rains.
The CEC for Roads Engineer Joseph Lagat, stated that the devolved unit had made a major stride in actualizing the successful completion of road works, including beautification of the town and tree planting along the streets within the CDB and highways.
“As a Committee, we are satisfied with how the projects have been carried out to the set standards and also in full support of the ongoing projects being undertaken by Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Projects (KISIP) in Uasin Gishu County,” said Eng. Lagat who is chairing the Committee that is overseeing the implementation of the projects in preparation for the award of the Charter by the Head of State.
The conferment was to be done on August 8th but was postponed due to what the Governor says was communication from State House.
By Kiptanui Cherono
