Mosoriot Market has swiftly evolved into an economic hub in northern Nandi County, bustling with activity and transforming into a rapidly growing town.
Historically, Mosoriot served primarily as an administrative and agricultural centre. However, the recent establishment of higher education institutions, including Koitalel Samoei University and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses, has driven its expansion and economic development along the Kisumu-Eldoret highway.
Previously overlooked, the informal settlements surrounding Mosoriot have now come into focus as student populations have surged, exposing the social and economic challenges of urbanisation in the area, located just 15 kilometres from Kapsabet, the county headquarters.
A critical issue facing students is the severe shortage of clean water and accommodation. Many learners are forced to travel several kilometres to find rental housing in neighbouring markets, such as Chepterit, Kabiyet, Mutwot, and Chemuswa.
Veronica Mmbone, a KMTC student, revealed the financial strain of commuting due to the lack of hostels. "The school has no hostels, so students have to rent houses in Mosoriot and the surrounding areas. I found accommodation about 10 kilometres away and spend Sh200 daily on transport," she said.
Similarly, hundreds of students trek long distances to attend classes, while those residing within Mosoriot's central business district (CBD) face challenges, such as water shortages, poor waste management, security risks, and inadequate housing.
Mosoriot, locally known as Kapandant, derives its name from a British settler, Mr Andant, who introduced green wattle trees to Nandi District between 1920 and 1940. Recognising the region's suitability for the trees, Andant established a processing centre for tree bark, which was transported to tanning factories in Nairobi.
The collection yards eventually developed into a market centre, hosting institutions, such as Mosoriot Mission Hospital, Chepterit Primary School, AIC Sirgoi High School, Mosoriot Teachers Training College, and government administrative offices.
The introduction of higher learning institutions has since revived the area, with a student population exceeding 3,000 at Koitalel Samoei University, 1,200 at KMTC, and 1,600 at Mosoriot Teachers College. However, the influx of students has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, leading to substandard living conditions.
Mercy Chelimo, a second-year student at Koitalel Samoei University, described the harsh living conditions of over 20 fellow students living in the same plot, relying entirely on unsafe borehole water.
Chelimo also highlighted security concerns, noting the absence of adequate street lighting on roads leading to residential estates.
Mosoriot Teachers Training College Principal Johnathan Chebogut acknowledged that the rising student population has increased demand for essential economic and social services. "Initially, we had about 800 students, but this has surged to over 1,600 in the past two years. Mosoriot is an ideal education centre, but its limited resources and poor infrastructure hinder progress. We urge the county government to expedite the town development framework," he stated.
Chebogut emphasised that the learning institutions have created business opportunities, unlocking the potential of undeveloped land within Mosoriot municipality.
However, the sudden population boom has left the town unprepared, prompting real estate investors to acquire land for commercial developments along the CBD and near learning institutions.
Residents have raised concerns over stalled water and sewerage projects, which they identify as significant obstacles to Mosoriot's growth. Among these is a Sh106 million water project under Central Rift Valley Water Works, along with various sewerage and waste management initiatives.
The Sh296 million Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP), which includes tarmacking streets and installing security lights, is underway. However, the demand for infrastructure far outweighs the ongoing developments in this vibrant market centre, which hosts numerous eateries, supermarkets, agro-vet businesses, and textile industries.
Real estate investor Paul Karan has warned against unregulated infrastructure development, urging the county government to adopt a futuristic urban master plan.
"The town is expanding faster than anticipated. The police post should be upgraded to a police station with more officers to enhance security for investors, including banks and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos)," he said.
Karan, who also chairs the Matatu Owners Association, described Mosoriot as the next economic hub after Eldoret, calling for the establishment of a bus terminal and an efficient drainage system.
Nandi County Chief Officer for Roads and Infrastructure, Jona Tireito, acknowledged Mosoriot's transformation into the region's third most populated urban centre after Kapsabet and Nandi Hills.
"The ongoing KISIP projects will improve residential estates and roads. We are currently identifying a 10-acre parcel to establish a dumpsite and sewage system to enhance solid waste management," said Tireito.
