- CEO of the Eldoret Municipal Board Tito Koiyet says there had been various proposals to expand the boundaries which currently cover 147.9km2 to about 408km2.
- He said the expansion may be necessary to respond to other changes including population increase and urbanisation.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Eldoret town boundaries may be expanded to almost triple its current size as it's elevated to city status from August 8.
Eldoret Municipal Board CEO Tito Koiyet said there had been various proposals to expand the boundaries which currently cover 147.9km2 to about 408km2.
“At the moment, the boundaries remain the same as has been for the last 30 years. Any expansion plans will be done as per the law with the national government and residents involved,” Koiyet said.
He said the expansion maybe necessary to respond to other changes including population increase and urbanisation.
Koiyet has however allayed fears among residents that the elevation to city status would lead to immediate increase in levies, fees and charges for services.
He said the town belongs to residents who will have to discuss and approve and changes on levies or charges by the Uasin Gishu county government.
Koiyet enumerated some of the facilities and services available in Eldoret to qualify it for a city status.
The town, he said, had more than 70 per cent sewer coverage and adequate water supply although there were plans to expand the same.
He said the town was second largest medical destination in the country with both air, road and rail transport.
“Outside Nairobi we also have the second largest coverage by banking institutions which are over 40. We also have a high concentration of universities and colleges,” he said.
Koiyet said preparations for ceremonies for the award of the city charter were in top gear, and will involve residents and stakeholders.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is leading preparations ahead of conferment of city status next week.
Bii hosted other North Rift governors in Eldoret where they expressed excitement over the planned elevation of the town. They said the move will be a major boost to the region.
President William Ruto will be in Eldoret to hand over the city charter to Governor Bii.
Governors from the region pledged to work jointly to make the town a great city.
The county chiefs included Stephen Sang of Nandi who is also chairman of the North Rift Economic Bloc, Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Jeremiah Lomorukai of Turkana.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and MPs from aNorth Rift were also present.
“We are excited and ready to host the President and all visitors as we celebrate the new city of Eldoret,” Bii said.
He said the county had set in motion all preparations ahead of August 8 and that resident, the business community and leaders would be involved.
“We have waived for 10 days all related charges to help the business community in beautification of the town to prepare for the big day,” Bii said.
Building owners have been asked to repaint all their premises as the county works to put in place all other arrangements.
Sang said Eldoret was a regional hub and the elevation of the town would benefit the region.
“As a region, we except to reap big with major developments in infrastructure and other sectors. Within five years, we will witness major transformation of the region,” the governor said.
Sang said neighbouring towns like Kapsabet, Kitale and Iten would also benefit from the growth of Eldoret City.
He said the city status would come with many investors to help create job opportunities.
The Nandi county boss said the planned expansion of the Eldoret International Airport would be a plus for the city.