Senators approve Eldoret’s elevation to city status
By Rawlings, October 11, 2023
Eldoret municipality is a step away from becoming the fifth Kenyan city after senators supported its elevation pending approval this week.
Senators, while debating the motion to elevate the municipality to city status on Thursday, said there is need to build resilient and sustainable cities that are environmentally clean, green, powered using clean and green energy.
While presenting the report of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, Richard Onyonka (Kisii) said the municipality of Eldoret had met the requisite requirements for the conferment of a city.
“Eldoret has been in existence since 1953, and is definitely due for an upgrade. Committee was also satisfied with the inspection it carried out. In summary, the committee strongly recommends the conferment of city status to Eldoret municipality,” said Onyonka
Section 5 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 outlines the criteria that ought to be met by a municipality to qualify to be upgraded to city Status. According to the criteria, the municipality should demonstrate that it has a population of at least 250,000 residents, according to the final gazetted results of the last population census carried out by an institution authorised under any written law, preceding the application for grant of city status.
The municipality should also have an integrated urban area or city development plan in accordance with this Act and other existing laws, has a demonstrable capacity to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operation and has a demonstrable good system and records of prudent management.
In addition, the municipality seeking an upgrade should also demonstrate that it has the capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver its services to its residents, has institutionalised active participation by its residents in the management of its affairs, has infrastructural facilities, like roads, street lighting, markets and fire stations, and an adequate capacity for disaster management.
While seconding the conferment of the city status to the municipality of Eldoret, Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla said it is not enough that the urban areas are focused only on incomes that are generated, but a clear roadmap must be given for all the services expected by residents in these urban centers.