Bitok Eyes Uasin Gishu Governor’s Seat with Bold Eldoret City Transformation Plan
Eldoret was granted city status two years ago, but Bitok argues the elevation has so far remained largely symbolic, with limited improvements felt by ordinary citizens.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has thrown his hat into the ring for the Uasin Gishu governorship in next year’s general election, banking on a comprehensive makeover of Eldoret to turn the city’s status into real economic gains for residents.
Bitok, widely known in the county’s political circles as “Simba ni Moja,” announced that he is already working on a detailed master plan to transform Eldoret from a city in name only into a modern, thriving urban centre and regional economic powerhouse. Eldoret was granted city status two years ago, but Bitok argues the elevation has so far remained largely symbolic, with limited improvements felt by ordinary citizens.
His campaign platform, branded “Agenda ni Sita na City,” centres on a six-point development agenda focused on Eldoret and the wider county. “Since Eldoret was elevated to a city, that move has largely remained on paper, but I will focus on actualising it into a real modern city and a major economic hub for our region and beyond,” Bitok said in an interview.
As an early step, the Tourism Ministry plans to host World Tourism Day celebrations in Eldoret on September 27. Bitok described the event as a launchpad for broader plans that include upgrading infrastructure, promoting medical tourism, and simplifying trade licensing to attract investment and stimulate growth.
The PS also pledged to place strong emphasis on cultural identity, saying his agenda would celebrate the heritage of the Kalenjin community and other local groups as a way of fostering unity and social cohesion. He promised to prioritise opportunities for young people and women, create jobs, and tackle environmental challenges through a bottom-up approach consistent with President William Ruto’s national vision. Beautification of Eldoret features prominently in the plan.
Bitok enters a competitive field. Incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii has made clear he will seek a second term and has advised potential challengers to rethink their ambitions. Businessman and politician Bundotich Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, is also expected to contest the seat again. Although Bitok lost in the party primaries in the previous election cycle, he has stayed active in local politics and retains a base of supporters who point to his experience and policy ideas as key advantages.
Some residents have already voiced support. Josephine Ruto, a local, argued that devolution has underperformed in Uasin Gishu due to what she termed failed leadership, adding that Bitok has the necessary experience, expertise and vision to elevate the county.
The race is expected to focus heavily on development, the practical realisation of Eldoret’s city status, improved service delivery, employment creation and the county’s overall economic trajectory. With more than a year to the 2027 polls, Bitok is positioning the transformation of Eldoret as the defining issue that could set him apart from his rivals and resonate with voters seeking tangible change.
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