Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has lined up a series of activities in Eldoret town ahead of its conferment to city status by President William Ruto on August 8.
Eldoret is currently hosting the National Schools Music Festival at the Moi Girls High School.
Bii yesterday presided over the opening of the Eldoret Business Expo at Zion Mall, where he urged residents and the business community to welcome the city status.
“With the coming of the city status Eldoret will be a great business destination and we have to work together to tap all the available opportunities and create jobs for our people," he said.
The town will also host an Economic Summit today which will be followed by a sports day tomorrow.
On Sunday there will be an inter-denomination prayer service followed by a conference for the Association of City Planners on Monday and the Sisibo Cultural and extravaganza day on Tuesday.
The Governor’s Gala night will take place on Wednesday August 7.
Ruto and other invited guests will arrive on August 7.
“So far we are working well with all residents and other stakeholders to host the big day,” he said.
Bii has invited all governors to attend the event.
On Monday, he hosted governors from North Rift where they pledged to work together to make Eldoret a great city.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang who is also the chairman of the North Rift Economic Bloc, attended the meeting.
Others were Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet and Jeremiah Lomurukai of Turkana. Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and MPs from the region were also present.
“We are excited and ready to host the President and all visitors as we celebrate the new city,” Bii said.
“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."
Building owners have been asked to repaint all their premises as the county works to put in place all other arrangements.
Sang said Eldoret is a regional hub and the elevation of the town to a city would benefit the entire region.