The Eldoret City Board has been officially inaugurated, marking a key milestone in the operationalization of Eldoret’s city status slightly over a year after its elevation.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Uasin Gishu County Hall, Governor Jonathan Bii challenged the newly sworn-in members to provide visionary leadership and ensure efficient service delivery to residents and investors.
“You are now entrusted with the responsibility to serve, lead and transform our city. You carry the trust of the people and the expectations of our County of Champions,” said the Governor.
He noted that since attaining city status, Eldoret has made notable progress in infrastructure and urban management, including the installation of traffic lights at major intersections to enhance road safety and ease congestion.
The Governor further revealed that the county is in the final stages of implementing a Sh3 billion green energy project through a Public-Private Partnership that will see the installation of more than 20,000 smart solar-powered LED streetlights and CCTV surveillance systems across the city to improve security and energy efficiency.
“Eldoret will be safe, energy-efficient and modern,” he affirmed.
Governor Bii also highlighted ongoing projects under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) and the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP), which are upgrading roads, drainage systems and public spaces in various estates.
Additionally, he said the county, in collaboration with the national government, is set to undertake link road projects across the city at an estimated cost of Sh1 billion to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea described the board members as pioneers, being the first to serve under Eldoret’s city status.
“You are the first City Board for Eldoret City. You must set the standard and give your very best, because others will follow in your footsteps,” he said.
Kapkea urged the board to prioritize service delivery, accountability and transparency, while ensuring active engagement with stakeholders, including investors, businesspeople and the informal sector.
He reminded the members that urban development remains a key pillar under the Governor’s Nguzo-10 manifesto, particularly in infrastructure expansion, water provision and improving living standards.
Both leaders assured the board of the county government’s support, while emphasizing unity, teamwork and a people-centred approach in executing their mandate.
The inauguration formally sets in motion Eldoret’s city governance framework as the county government intensifies efforts to position the North Rift town as a world-class, smart and investor-friendly city.
By Fredrick Maritim and Ekuwam Sylvester
