Editor's Review

Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has approved another city in Kenya. 

The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Inter-Governmental Relations has approved Eldoret town's application for city status. 

In a report tabled in the Senate by Wajir Senator Sheikh Abbas on Wednesday, September 20, the committee said it approved Eldoret city status application based on findings and observations. 

“Based on the findings and observations above, the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations recommends that; The Municipality of Eldoret be conferred city status having met the requirements as set out under Section 5 and the First Schedule of the Urban Areas and Cities Act 2011,” the report read in part.

Uasin Gishu Governor Bii Chelimo has expressed his delight after the committee approved Eldoret's bid for city status.

File image of Eldoret town. 

In a statement on his Facebook account, Chelimo noted that the committee had toured Eldoret town to assess the necessary amenities as per their checklist. 

“I am pleased to note that, after their recent visit to our county to assess the necessary amenities as per their checklist, they have concurred with our assessment, confirming that we meet the requirements outlined in Section 5 and the First Schedule of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011. We now eagerly await the charter that will officially grant us the status of the fifth city,” he stated.

Once approved by the Senate, Eldoret will join Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru as the fifth city. 

Nakuru was granted city status in 2021 under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.