Eldoret has officially welcomed its new City Manager, Ms Elzeba Busienei, who was sworn in today at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters.
The ceremony was presided over by Justice Reuben Nyakundi, the Presiding Judge of the High Court in Eldoret, and was witnessed by senior county officials, members of the Judiciary and the public.
Ms Busienei takes over as the first City Manager since the town was granted city status, and she is tasked with steering urban transformation, improving waste management and enforcing order within the municipality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to maintaining cleanliness, order and safety across Eldoret, emphasizing that these priorities are non-negotiable for a city of its stature.
“Cleanliness is not optional for a city of our status,” Governor Bii said. “We must adopt sustainable waste management practices, enforce city order and prioritize road safety. Eldoret must reflect the aspirations of its residents and meet the standards of a modern city.”
Justice Nyakundi commended the ongoing collaboration between the Judiciary and the County Government of Uasin Gishu, noting that such partnerships are key to enhancing justice delivery and public service efficiency.
“The Judiciary applauds counties like Uasin Gishu, where partnerships are delivering real results,” he remarked. “Governor Bii has shown commitment by ensuring each of the six sub-counties will host a functional judicial facility.”
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea praised the appointment of Ms Busienei as the first woman to hold the City Manager position, calling it a bold step toward inclusive leadership.
“Appointing Ms Busienei reflects our administration’s dedication to empowering women and promoting inclusivity in governance,” Kapkea stated. “We will support her fully as she leads Eldoret, which is the headquarters of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB). I look forward to a time when people from the western region will come to Eldoret for services, rather than travelling to Nairobi.”
In her remarks, Ms Busienei expressed heartfelt gratitude to the county leadership for the opportunity to serve and pledged to carry out her responsibilities diligently.
“The journey has begun,” she said. “We will work hand in hand with the county administration to serve the people of Uasin Gishu and drive meaningful development.”
Ms Busienei was appointed by the Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board, succeeding Tito Koiyet, whose term ended following Eldoret’s elevation to city status.
Eldoret was officially conferred city status on August 15, 2024, making it Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
By Fredrick Maritim
