Eldoret, a bustling town in Kenya, has officially been elevated to city status, marking a historic milestone for its residents and the region at large. This development, celebrated with much fanfare on August 15, 2024, positions Eldoret as Kenya’s fifth city, following Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. The conferment was officiated by President William Ruto, who unveiled the city charter in a ceremony rich with symbolism, including the presentation of the Kilometre Zero Monument, a marker of the town’s new centrality in Kenya’s urban landscape.
The decision to grant Eldoret city status is rooted in the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011, which outlines specific criteria for such a designation. Eldoret’s population, now exceeding 475,000, was a key factor in meeting the threshold. Additionally, the town has shown significant strides in infrastructure, including accessibility to an international airport, effective waste management systems, and quality health and educational services. These advancements, coupled with its role as an agricultural hub and home to Moi University, made Eldoret a prime candidate for city status.
However, the conferment has sparked a wide range of reactions. Many local leaders and residents are optimistic, seeing this elevation as a stepping stone to greater economic growth and urban development. The new city status is expected to attract increased investments from both the national government and the private sector. This influx of resources is anticipated to create jobs and drive economic growth, particularly given Eldoret’s strategic location as a gateway to East and Central Africa.
Urban development is also on the horizon, with plans for modern architectural designs and improved infrastructure. Proponents of the city’s new status argue that these changes will lead to a higher standard of living for residents, as Eldoret transforms into a more modern, well-planned urban area.
Despite the optimism, there are voices of skepticism, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where concerns have been raised about the town’s readiness to handle the responsibilities that come with city status. Critics question whether the elevation is truly justified or if it is a move that could lead to financial mismanagement and unfulfilled promises. These doubts echo broader concerns about governance and the equitable distribution of benefits in Kenya’s rapidly urbanizing regions.
Prominent voices like Prof. Fred Ogolla have also weighed in on the debate, questioning whether Eldoret’s development truly warrants comparison with established global cities like Paris. He highlights ongoing issues such as youth unemployment and asks whether the city’s newfound opulence will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of its residents.
While Eldoret has undoubtedly met the formal criteria for city status, the real test lies ahead. The city’s leadership and residents alike must now ensure that this new status brings tangible benefits, from improved infrastructure to better economic opportunities. The public’s cautious optimism underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the city’s development process.
Eldoret’s elevation to city status is a significant achievement that reflects the town’s growth and strategic importance. However, as the excitement of the ceremony fades, the focus must shift to ensuring that the promises of economic development and urban transformation are realized. The success of Eldoret’s new status will ultimately depend on how well its leaders can manage this transition and deliver on the expectations of its residents.