UK launches Sh7.9b project to turn Iten into a metropolis

Iten town has launched a Sh7.9 billion Urban Economic Plan as it positions itself as a world-class metropolis.

This comes after the World Athletics recently conferred the town with the prestigious Athletics Heritage plaque as an honour to its history of producing record-shattering athletes.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriot, while launching the plan on Friday, said her government had committed Sh400 million to revamp the town.

The five-year plan developed by Atkins Consultants, through British Government’s Sustainable Urban Development programme, will include establishment of a modern sports elite hub and sports park in Iten town.

Other benefits include setting up of world-class tourism and hospitality facilities, modern markets and bus terminus, solar energy projects, cottage industries for agro-processing and modern road network, including running tracks for athletes.

Speaking during the event that also doubled up for unveiling of the World Athletics Heritage plaque, the high commissioner said Britain had picked Iten among 12 other municipalities in Kenya owing to its fast growth and its status as a world athletics training destination.

“The economic plan will harness Iten’s world-class sports and tourism potential, and its agricultural economy to create investment opportunities and jobs for locals,” said the envoy.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed hailed the modernisation plan as a game changer.

Amina said the recognition of Iten as a World Heritage site confirms the importance and its contribution to global athletics history.

“The economic plan demonstrates the power and synergies that partnerships can generate. The development of the elite sports hub and Iten sports park will be at the core of nurturing athletics talent,” she said.

Governor Alex Tolgos said the economic blueprint would largely be driven by the private sector, with government only coming in to create an enabling environment.