President William Ruto has officially conferred city status upon Eldoret, marking it as Kenya’s fifth city. The announcement comes after years of significant economic growth and urban development, positioning Eldoret as a major hub in East Africa.
The President emphasized the city’s potential as a future center for investment, innovation, and sustainable development, reflecting on its rich history and the collective effort of its diverse community.
“Today, we celebrate the city of Eldoret,” President Ruto declared as he conferred city status upon the urban center, joining Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru in the elite group of Kenyan cities. He noted that this recognition was not just a formality but a testament to the collective energy and ambition of the people of Uasin Gishu County.
Eldoret’s journey from a small farming center to a bustling metropolis reflects the transformative power of devolution, Ruto said. “Devolution has enabled Uasin Gishu to harness the immense potential of its agriculturally rich hinterland and catalyze the ambition and energy of Eldoret’s business community,” he added. The county’s leadership has effectively used devolution to steer the town’s growth, turning it into a key investment hub in agro-industrial and agribusiness sectors, as well as in technology, commerce, and sports.
The President acknowledged the contributions of diverse communities who have made Eldoret their home, calling it a “city of the future” and a “home for all.” He reflected on the cosmopolitan nature of Eldoret, which has been shaped by settlers from various parts of Kenya and beyond, including India, South Africa, and Britain. This diversity, he said, has been the “secret ingredient” to the town’s enduring vigor and dynamism.
Ruto also spoke about the critical role that urban planning and effective governance will play in shaping Eldoret’s future. “The performance of any urban area depends on the degree of focus with which its leadership engages with the critical matter of urban planning,” he said, underscoring the importance of developing a smart, livable city that can thrive amid the complexities of the 21st century.
As part of the city’s development strategy, Eldoret will benefit from the Kenya Urban Support Program, a $35 billion initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure, waste management, connectivity, and social services. The President announced that nearly 10,000 housing units are currently under construction in various parts of the city, a move aimed at addressing urban housing challenges while preserving land for agricultural use.
Ruto also touched on Eldoret’s unique identity as the “City of Champions,” owing to its association with Kenya’s world-renowned athletes. The presence of Olympic champions at the ceremony, he said, symbolizes the city’s competitive spirit and its potential to lead in various fields. “It is essential that Eldoret focuses on the great opportunities and significant challenges ahead,” he noted, emphasizing that the city has what it takes to emerge as a leader in urban development and innovation.
In a personal reflection, the President shared memories of his early years in Eldoret, including buying his first pair of shoes and earning his first wage in the town. These experiences, he said, make him proud to witness Eldoret’s transformation into a city. “Even if I wasn’t president, I would have attended this meeting because it is such an important event for the city that I call home,” Ruto said emotionally.
Looking forward, President Ruto called on all stakeholders—from local government officials to business leaders and residents—to work together in building a city worthy of a gold medal. He praised the efforts of Uasin Gishu County’s leadership and its citizens, urging them to continue their hard work to ensure Eldoret’s success as a thriving urban center.
