Eldoret becomes Kenya's fifth city

Newly erected Mursik gourds statue along Oginga Odinga Street in Eldoret city. [James Wanzala ,Standard]

Statues of gourds, maize, and athletes were among the highlights on Thursday as Eldoret Municipality was officially conferred with city status.

Referred to as the 'City of Champions,' Eldoret received its charter, marking its new rank.

The three statues, placed in different parts of the town, symbolize its key features: athletic prowess, maize production, and the famous mursik.

Newly erected Mursik gourds statue along Oginga Odinga Street in Eldoret city. [James Wanzala ,Standard]

Athletes, including those with medals from the recently concluded Paris Olympics, were present as the Head of State signed the charter.

In his speech, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii expressed gratitude to President William Ruto, noting that the city status was a win for Eldoret's residents, neighbouring communities, and the nation.

President Ruto echoed Bii's sentiments and expressed his pride, stating, "I am truly proud to be part of this ceremony. Even if I weren't president, I would still celebrate this moment, as Eldoret is a city I call home."

The city status follows the Senate's Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations recommendations, citing Eldoret's compliance with the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011.

The town met key requirements, including a population of at least 250,000, an integrated urban development plan, sufficient revenue generation capacity, and essential service provision.

Strategically located as a regional hub for trade, education, health, sports, and agriculture, Eldoret joins Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa as the country's fifth city.