By Robert Mutasi 
Retired Brigadier Sylvester Kipkorir Chirchir has petitioned the Uasin Gishu County Assembly to rename Old Nairobi Road in Eldoret after President William Ruto, citing the Head of State’s contribution to national development and his historical connection to the North Rift region.
In the petition, Chirchir proposes that the road be renamed William Ruto Road as a way of recognising the President’s public service record and his journey from his rural roots in Uasin Gishu to the highest office in the country.
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Chirchir, the immediate former Deputy Director of the National Security Industries, argues that the proposed renaming would preserve an important chapter of Kenya’s political history while recognising Ruto’s association with the county.
The retired military officer, who received the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) honour in 2025, traces the President’s journey from Sambut in Kamagut to the presidency, describing it as an important story that could inspire future generations.
According to the petition, Ruto’s political and public service career provides sufficient grounds for the proposed recognition.
The President represented Eldoret North Constituency in Parliament between 1997 and 2013 before serving in several Cabinet positions, including Home Affairs, Agriculture and Higher Education.
He subsequently served as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2013 to 2022 before assuming the presidency in September 2022.
Chirchir points to Ruto’s involvement in agriculture, education and national governance as significant contributions that deserve recognition in his home county.
The petition also references Eldoret’s elevation to city status on August 15, 2024, when President Ruto formally conferred the city charter, marking a significant milestone in the development of the North Rift’s largest urban centre.
Eldoret has grown into an important centre for agriculture, commerce, education, sports, transport and investment, serving communities across the wider North Rift region.
Beyond Ruto’s political career, Chirchir also highlights the government’s development programmes under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The framework prioritises agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare, the digital economy and support for small businesses.
Among the initiatives referenced in the petition are the Affordable Housing Programme, Ajira Digital, Jitume and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
These programmes are intended to expand employment opportunities, improve digital skills and increase economic participation, particularly among young people.
On agriculture, the petitioner points to government interventions aimed at improving access to fertiliser, strengthening food security and increasing agricultural productivity.
The sector remains particularly important to Uasin Gishu County, where farming supports household incomes, employment and the wider regional economy.
Chirchir also references healthcare reforms under the Social Health Authority and efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services.
The petition asks the Uasin Gishu County Assembly to consider the proposal through the applicable legal and administrative procedures.
However, the proposed renaming is not automatic and will require consideration by the relevant county authorities.
Chirchir has emphasised the importance of public participation, calling for residents, businesses, property owners, transport operators and other affected stakeholders to be consulted before any final decision is reached.
He has also proposed an assessment of the historical, cultural, administrative and economic implications of changing the road’s name.
If approved, the process would require coordination to update road signage, official records and property addresses to reflect the new designation.
Old Nairobi Road runs from the Annex area along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway to Pioneer Estate, where it connects to the Eldoret-Kapsabet-Kisumu Road.
The petitioner argues that naming public roads and landmarks after prominent individuals provides communities with an opportunity to preserve their history and recognise people whose contributions have influenced national development.
He further maintains that recognising public figures during their lifetime allows communities to express appreciation for their service while encouraging conversations about leadership and development.
The proposal now awaits consideration by the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, with its eventual outcome dependent on the legislative process, public consultation and applicable legal requirements.
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