What are the requirements for a town to be designated as a city.

Eldoret is poised to become Kenya’s fifth city on August 15, 2024, pending the official designation by President William Ruto. This elevation will place Eldoret alongside Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. The new status is expected to bring enhanced services and greater investment opportunities to its residents.

Eldoret has seen substantial growth in recent years, including advances in population, infrastructure, health services, education, trade, and industry. The city status is anticipated to further establish Eldoret as a key center for growth and urbanization in the region.

For a town to achieve city status, it must receive approval from the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations. The Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, 2019, stipulates that a town must have a population of at least 250,000 according to the most recent census data.

The 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Population and Housing Census estimated Eldoret’s population at 475,716, well above the required threshold. Additionally, the town must have a comprehensive urban development plan, effective management systems, and the capability to deliver essential services. It must also engage its residents in managing municipal affairs, have adequate infrastructure—including roads, street lighting, markets, and fire stations—and maintain a reliable waste disposal system.

A Senate Committee report highlighted that while Eldoret meets most criteria, it requires improvements such as extending the airport runway and acquiring modern firefighting equipment. The town has the potential to generate up to Ksh. 2.5 billion in revenue, with the highest collection of Ksh. 0.99 billion reported in the last financial year from sources like markets, business permits, land rates, and street parking.

The report, which was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Senate in early 2024, confirms that Eldoret fulfills the necessary requirements and practices for city status. President Ruto is expected to officially confer city status on Eldoret soon.