The Uasin Gishu County Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to rehabilitate Eldoret Arboretum, construct an iconic landmark, reduce entry fees and introduce new tourism attractions, as part of efforts to position Eldoret City, as a leading tourism destination.
The proposed facelift is expected to enhance the arboretum’s appeal to local and international visitors, while creating employment opportunities and increasing county revenue.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Investment, Industrialization and Tourism, Dr. Philip Chebunet, led an inspection tour of the arboretum alongside County Director of Investment, Erustus Kerich, who represented the Director of Tourism, and other officials from the Tourism Directorate, to assess the facility’s condition and outline a rehabilitation plan.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Chebunet said the County intends to transform the arboretum into a premier recreational park, featuring a landmark structure comparable in significance to Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
“I want Eldoret to have its own signature structure. Just like Paris has the Eiffel Tower, I want visitors to see this landmark and instantly know that this is Eldoret,” he said.
He added that the County was working with the Kenya Wildlife Service to introduce attractions such as snakes and crocodiles to enrich visitors’ experiences and diversify tourism offerings at the facility.
“We are working with the Kenya Wildlife Service to introduce wildlife such as snakes and crocodiles to enhance the scenery for tourists,” he said.
According to the CECM, the inspection was aimed at identifying priority areas for improvement to ensure the arboretum meets the recreational needs of residents while attracting more visitors and generating additional revenue for the county.
The arboretum already boasts several facilities developed through a partnership between the Department of Tourism, Fisheries and Eldoret City. These include a watch tower, gazebo, camping sites, the Wall of Fame, nature trails, sheds, a fish pond and a rich collection of indigenous tree species.
The Park has become a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts, nature lovers and families seeking a serene environment for recreation. Schools, community groups and organised fitness clubs also regularly use the facility for outdoor learning, exercise and environmental conservation activities.
County officials said preserving and expanding green spaces such as the arboretum has become increasingly important as Eldoret continues to experience rapid urban growth. Besides supporting tourism, the facility contributes to environmental conservation, climate resilience and improved quality of life for city residents.
The County government plans to implement the rehabilitation in Phases, beginning with clearing overgrown vegetation, repairing existing infrastructure and engaging surrounding communities before undertaking major upgrades.
Dr. Chebunet said the timing of the project was appropriate following Eldoret’s elevation to city status, noting that the centrally located arboretum has the potential to become one of the city’s flagship attractions if properly modernised.
To encourage more domestic visitors, the county also plans to reduce the current entry fee of Sh200, which officials believe has discouraged many potential visitors.
“The previous charges were quite expensive and the scenery did not match the cost. That pushed away many people. We want to modernize the arboretum so that tourists feel their money has been utilized well,” he said.
The county also intends to establish a restaurant within the arboretum to provide meals and refreshments to visitors after touring the facility.
Dr. Chebunet said the revitalisation project is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating employment opportunities for youth, photographers, tour guides, vendors and other service providers as visitor numbers increase.
By Shaline Jeruto
