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In a grand ceremony filled with pomp and pageantry, Eldoret, located in Uasin Gishu County, Thursday, August 15 officially joined the ranks of Kenya’s cities. President William Ruto bestowed city status on Eldoret, making it the fifth city in Kenya, following Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
The historic event took place at the Eldoret Sports Club, where vibrant cultural performances and exhibitions highlighted the rich heritage of the newly recognized city. President Ruto, alongside Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, formally signed the charter that elevated Eldoret to its new status.
In his address, President Ruto affirmed that Eldoret had successfully met all the necessary criteria for city status as outlined in the Urban Areas and Cities Act. “In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 7 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, I, Kipchirchir William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, hereby ordain, declare, and direct that the municipality of Eldoret is conferred with city status,” he proclaimed.
The President also honored several distinguished individuals with the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) for their outstanding contributions in representing Eldoret.
The decision to elevate Eldoret to city status followed the Senate’s endorsement of a report by the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, which approved the proposal. Governor Bii expressed optimism about the opportunities this new status would bring, highlighting the potential for increased investment and business growth in the region. “The city status positions Eldoret as a prime hub for business and investment. We are ready to showcase our city to the world and attract investors from across the globe,” he stated during a speech in Eldoret on August 13, 2024.
Eldoret’s history dates back to 1908 when it was first settled by South Africans escaping British rule. These settlers traveled by sea to Mombasa, then by rail to Nakuru, before finally walking to Uasin Gishu. Although initially unsuitable for farming, the settlers established an administrative center that drew more families to the area, eventually leading to the formation of Eldoret town in 1911.
The city is renowned as the home of legendary Kenyan athletes and hosts several prestigious training centers, including the IAAF High Altitude Training Centre.
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