Uasin Gishu County Government in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) officially launched the County Statistical Abstract, 2025, a significant milestone in ensuring data-driven planning and accountability.
Speaking during the event at the county headquarters in Eldoret, Governor Jonathan Chelilim noted that the journey towards this comprehensive data report began in November 2023, when the county convened a stakeholder forum that set the foundation for a rigorous data collection, analysis, and validation.
He emphasised that the CSA is a central document to his administration’s Nguzo Kumi Agenda implementation and the county’s commitment to data-driven planning and accountability, considering the fact that Uasin Gishu is the first county to launch a statistical abstract this year.
The document provides official statistics up to 2024 across five domains, Demographic and Social, Economic, Environmental, Governance, and Cross-Cutting Issues offering an authoritative picture of the county’s development landscape.
The statistics indicate that Uasin Gishu experienced tremendous economic growth which has expanded steadily.
The county is ranked 8th nationally in Gross County Product (GCP), which grew from Sh 223.8 billion (2019) to Sh 349.2 billion (2024). The service and agriculture sectors remain strong contributors to national GCP.
In terms of Population Growth and Urbanisation; The population increased from 1.16 million in 2019 to 1.28 million in 2024, driving demand for improved urban planning and service delivery. Eldoret’s city status continues to attract new residents.
“Affordable Housing, championed by President William Ruto, is easing housing pressure and supporting orderly urbanisation, with the county providing land for new units,” said Governor Chelilim.
The Youth population and human capital exhibited remarkable growth as the youth population aged 18–35 rose from 396,111 to 453,369, underscoring the need to invest in skills, innovation, and job creation.
“The soon-to-be-launched Fanikisha Vijana programme will equip young people with practical skills and employment opportunities. Towards this we have committed over Sh 165 million being Sh 100 million and Sh65million for Fanikisha Hustle,” he added.
In the Education sector, ECDE enrolment increased significantly to 52,685, driven by the School Milk Programme across 692 centres. The confirmation of 1,466 ECDE teachers has strengthened quality in early learning. TVET enrolment is rising from 23036 to 33201 as the county modernizes 13 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and constructs two more.
Public health facilities expanded from 129 to 146, and medical staff increased from 608 to 1,291.
The Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital, with 20 incubators and a 40-bed antenatal and postnatal unit, has recorded 4,462 deliveries since June 2024, marking a major stride in maternal and child health.
Agriculture and Livestock also triumphed as milk production doubled from 216.7 million kgs worth Sh8.6 billion to 462.9 million kgs in 2024. Maize production rose from 368,475 tons to 414,075 tons, supported by the fertiliser subsidy programme and improved farmer systems.
Own Source Revenue grew from Sh779 million to over Sh1.3 billion, reflecting strong economic momentum. Data on natural resources continues to guide sustainable planning.
On Governance and Participation, The CSA gives insights on voter registration, civic engagement, access to information, and access to justice, pillars of transparency and accountability.
ICT, Gender and Inclusion is growing with digital access expanding, supported by six public Wi-Fi hotspots that promote youth empowerment, innovation, and online job opportunities.
On Transport and Water, the boda-boda sector continues to grow, with operators rising to 41,469 and passengers to 181 million eased by reduction of fee from Sh 600 to Sh 400 in urban areas and Sh 300 to Sh 200 in rural areas.
In Eldoret, piped water connections increased from 64,115 to 76,944 households.
Ease of Doing Business was also another key area of consideration in the CSA 2025. Licensed businesses increased by 53 percent, rising from 15,263 (2022) to 23,426 (2024), driven by a more favourable business environment and ongoing licensing reforms.
However, the recent business mapping exercise identified over 47,000 active enterprises, underscoring the need to expand business registration and bring more traders into the formal system.
Public lighting increased from 7,735 to 10,242 streetlights and from 459 to 533 floodlights, supporting a 24-hour economy.
“Through the Uasin Gishu Service Centre, a one stop hub for business permits and land rates payments, our county earned top national recognition as Kenya’s most business-friendly county in the VIFFA CBSI 2025, ranking it as Kenya’s most business-friendly county,” noted the Governor.
The governor reaffirmed their partnership with KNBS to sustain annual CSA production, strengthen data systems, and ensure transparent, evidence-based planning.
Others present were County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale, Phillip Meli (County Secretary), Micah Rogony (CECM Finance and Economic Planning), Janet Koech (CECM Public service Management), Chief officers, Directors, Deputy Directors, and others.
by Ekuwam Sylvester
