A growing wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through Eldoret, with residents calling for a rollback of the town’s recently awarded city designation, citing unfulfilled expectations and stalled improvements.
It’s been a year since Eldoret was declared Kenya’s fifth city, and optimism was high among residents who anticipated a wave of progress.
However, many now believe that the transition has been purely ceremonial, with little to show in terms of development.
“City status was supposed to bring order and opportunities, but instead, we’re stuck with chaotic traffic and broken infrastructure,” said Peter Otieno, a matatu operator.
“We were told this upgrade would bring progress—modern roads, better housing, and more organized services—but nothing has changed,” lamented Sarah Chebet, a resident of Langas. “We are still grappling with the same old problems.”
Local traders and small business owners have also voiced their disappointment, feeling that the promise of better markets, improved sanitation, and enhanced public transport has not materialized.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu has come under scrutiny, with citizens questioning its commitment to transforming Eldoret into a functional urban center.
Some argue that the leadership rushed the city status push without putting the necessary groundwork in place.
The growing frustration has sparked debate on whether Eldoret was ready for city classification in the first place.
Critics argue that instead of fast-tracking development, the new label has increased pressure on already strained services.
“You can’t just call a place a city without proper planning and execution,” said local activist Faith Kirwa. “We need action—not empty titles.”
The County Government of Uasin Gishu’s handling of the city’s development has also been questioned, with many wondering if the authorities have done enough to justify the city status.
In 2023, President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua attended the conferment of city status ceremony in Eldoret, promising a new era of growth and development. However, a year on, residents are yet to see tangible results.
Eldoret’s youthful population, in particular, feels let down. Many had hoped for employment opportunities, better education facilities, and technological advancement — all of which have failed to take shape.
As dissatisfaction deepens, some residents are now boldly suggesting that Eldoret would be better off reverting to a municipal town, where public expectations are more aligned with the reality on the ground.
The issue has also raised questions about the criteria used to award city status and whether the process was rushed. Some argue that the government should have waited until the necessary infrastructure and services were in place before conferring city status.
Others believe that the city status was a mere political gimmick to appease the residents.With mounting calls for transparency and accelerated reforms, Eldoret’s future as a thriving urban hub now depends on whether county leaders can match the lofty promises made during the city status celebrations with meaningful results.
The residents are demanding action, and it remains to be seen whether the County Government of Uasin Gishu will be able to deliver.As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the people of Eldoret will not be silenced. They demand a city that works for them, with modern roads, better housing, and organized services.
The clock is ticking for the County Government of Uasin Gishu to deliver on its promises and show that Eldoret’s city status is more than just a title.The residents are also calling for the government to engage them in the planning and development process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
The government’s response to the growing dissatisfaction will be crucial in determining the future of Eldoret as a city. Will the County Government of Uasin Gishu be able to turn things around, or will Eldoret’s city status remain a mere ceremonial title? Only time will tell.
