• Residents are apprehensive that with the new status, the county government might raise levies and charges.
• Tito Koiyet, the manager of the board that has been managing the municipality of Eldoret, assured residents they will be fully involved in running the affairs of the city.
Image: PCS
Eldoret on Thursday became Kenya’s fifth city, bringing hope for better opportunities for residents.
But residents, especially the business community, say they hope the new status will not come with increased levies and charges.
Uasin Gishu chamber of commerce chairman Willy Kenei said they hope there won't be unnecessary increment in fees, levies and other charges for doing business in the town.
“The county should now work on attracting investors and improving the business environment in the town so it grows faster,” he said.
Kenei urged the management of the new city to consult widely.
“Public participation should be key in the growth of the new city,” he said.
Kenei chaired the ad hoc committee that recommended the elevation of the town to a city.
John Kamau, a hawker in the town, said they are happy with the new city status but it should not be an opportunity for the county government to harass small-scale traders.
“They should allow us to do business freely,” he said.
Tito Koiyet, the manager of the board that has been managing the municipality of Eldoret, assured residents they will be fully involved in running the affairs of the city.
“There is no plan to increase charges for trade licences or any other levies but if that will come, then public participation will be key,” he said.
Koiyet said residents should not harbour fears over the city status because it comes with more opportunities and investments that will create jobs.
President William Ruto urged the Uasin Gishu government to build a progressive city.
He urged farmers to stop land fragmentation.
Farmers said they hope the city boundaries will not be extended to cover more farmlands.
“Let the city keep the current boundaries and avoid unnecessary increases of land rates because that will scare away investors,” farmers representative Patrick Boit said.
He said with the city status, there would be more investment opportunities for farmers, especially in value addition.
Youth leader Ben Chelimo and elder Mark Mibei said the city status is welcome but it must accommodate all communities.
Ruto said housing is a challenge in Eldoret but the government is building more than 10,000 units in the city.
Housing investor Ken chelimo said Eldoret is likely to experience population growth, which will create a chance for investments in the housing sector.
Governor Jonathan Bii said the county will work with the national government and investors to improve Eldoret.
Ruto said there were new regulations on the way to help urban areas and cities grow.
Residents want infrastructure improved to spur development.
“The city has come but it’s just the beginning of a journey because we lack good infrastructure and other amenities that can support quick growth of the city,” resident Mary Mongare said.