Uasin gishu: Uasin Gishu County Administration on Wednesday initiated a pivotal stakeholders' engagement forum, assembling individuals and representatives from various groups and organizations to contribute towards an inclusive, responsive, and forward-looking development plan for the new Eldoret City. The plan aims to benefit both current and future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum included residents, government agency representatives, investors, business partners, developers, and academia. These stakeholders shared insights on crucial aspects such as road infrastructure, drainage solutions, economic development, sanitation, water, and other social services essential for sustainable growth and efficient public service delivery.
The engagement, focused on expediting the development of Eldoret City, was spearheaded by County Executive Committee Members Abraham Serem (Roads), Edward Sawe (Lands and Urban Planning), Antony Sitienei (Water), and Eldoret City Manager, Ms. Elzeba Busienei. CECM Serem emphasized the importance of a collective approach to realize Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii's vision of making Eldoret a smart and thriving city.
CECM for Water, Antony Sitienei, highlighted Governor Bii's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme, which aims to implement affordable and efficient street lighting in uncovered areas. The programme's first phase will focus on key city areas, while the second phase will expand to emerging urban centers.
Lands CECM Edward Sawe stressed the necessity for road users, particularly Boda Boda operators, to adhere to traffic regulations. He also announced plans from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to declassify the Northern Corridor as a truck transit route, which is expected to alleviate city congestion.
Stakeholders proposed a comprehensive transport master plan for Eldoret City, advocating for the construction of a dual carriageway connecting the CBD to Eldoret International Airport and the installation of box culverts along River Sosiani at key locations to address stormwater challenges.
The meeting, attended by Chief Officers Geoffrey Tanui (Roads) and Mary Kerich (Urban Planning), also addressed challenges related to water supply, road infrastructure, electricity, sewer expansion, disaster management, and traffic control within the new master plan's framework. The region anticipates population growth following the completion of an ongoing affordable housing project.
Other attendees included Eldowas Managing Director, Dr. Lawrence Tanui, and representatives from Kenya Power, KeNHA, KURA, the Eldoret Residents and Land Owners Association, and the Chamber of Commerce, among others.