- As a city, Eldoret will see improved infrastructure and better urban planning which will be more focused on managing growth and improving the quality of life.
- The infrastructure improvement will include better roads, sanitation and public transportation systems.
Image: PCS
In a grand ceremony on Thursday, President William Ruto signed the conferment charter of Eldoret City.
It became the newest and fifth city after Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru.
What has changed and how will the residents benefit from the new status
Eldoret will have more investments from the national government as cities often receive more government funding and support for development projects and public services, which can improve overall living conditions.
It will however have to ramp up its internal resource mobilisation to effectively fund operations and projects meant to maintain the city status.
As a city, Eldoret will see improved infrastructure and better urban planning which will be more focused on managing growth and improving the quality of life.
The infrastructure improvement will include better roads, sanitation and public transportation systems.
This will mean that the residents will benefit from a free flow of traffic and better transport means.
The status will also provide for economic opportunities including investment and business, especially since Eldoret is one of the food baskets of the country.
This will result in increased job opportunities and economic development and will boost local industries and create new economic activities.
On governance and services, Eldoret will have a city council with greater autonomy and resources to manage local affairs.
This can lead to more efficient delivery of services such as healthcare, education, and public safety.
On the City's civic pride and identity, Eldoret now has the ability to foster a stronger sense of identity and pride among residents.
The status can also enhance the city's cultural and social activities.
There will be enhanced services keeping in mind that cities typically have better access to public services such as transportation, emergency services, and utilities, improving overall quality of life for residents.
On the greater political representation, Eldoret is highly likely to have a more robust local government structure, which can lead to more effective representation and advocacy for residents’ needs.
There is also the enhancement of legal and administrative authority.
This is because cities may gain additional legal and administrative powers, allowing for more tailored regulations and policies to address local issues.
Eldoret has a Court of Appeal, being the highest ranking in Uasin Gishu County.
There is also increased visibility and prestige- Achieving city status can enhance the area’s visibility and prestige, which can be beneficial for tourism and community pride.
Besides the benefits, there is also a likelihood of hiking levies and charges in the City.
On Thursday, the Eldoret business community expressed hope that 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 increments 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.
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.