President William Ruto has officially elevated Eldoret town to become the country’s fifth city.

The president signed the charter and pended the government seal conferring Eldoret to a city. The conferment ceremony was held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

It was witnessed by several athletes who took part in the just concluded Paris Olympics Games where Kenya bagged 11 medals to signify Eldoret as a city of champions.

Besides athletes, students from various local schools also witnessed the historic occasion in Eldoret.

Officers from the Kenya Defence Forces also played a critical role in the conferment ceremony.

“I, Kipchirchir William Samoei Ruto, president of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of Kenya’s Defence Forces do hereby ordain, declare and direct that the municipality of Eldoret has been conferred with city status,” Ruto declared.

Ruto elevated Eldoret from a municipality following the successful application process and approval by the Senate.

The City of Eldoret now becomes the fifth one after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

Brief story of Eldoret

Eldoret City is located on the west of the Great Rift Valley in Uasin Gishu County, and it is situated at an elevation of 2,090 metres above sea level. 

The area is characterised by a healthy climate, making it an ideal agricultural city. 

Major crops grown in the area include maize, wheat, and pyrethrum. Livestock rearing also forms part of activities conducted in satellite areas within Eldoret City.

The city also serves as a transport corridor connected with railway lines and major highways used for mass transport of goods. 

Eldoret International Airport also serves as a transportation hub in the North Rift region. 

In terms of education facilities, Eldoret houses Moi University and the University of Eldoret.