Governor Bii Leads Uasin Gishu in Marking 62nd Jamhuri Day, Calls for Unity and Shared Progress
To fortify Eldoret’s position within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, there is a collaboration with the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Uasin Gishu Governor, H.E. Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, presided over Jamhuri Day celebrations with a clear message on unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility as the county moves ahead with its development agenda. Delivering his message at St. Paul’s Makongi Grounds within Soy Sub-County, Governor Bii outlined some of the biggest accomplishments within his administration while restating commitment to the Nguzo Kumi Transformation Blue Print.
Looking back on 62 years of nationhood, the Governor paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers for their search for freedom, dignity, and control of their own destinies. He commended the toughness and resilience of Kenyans, who have founded their nation on bravery and hope.
Eldoret Acquires City Status and Boosts Economic Operations
Governor Bii celebrated Eldoret town and praised its progress ever since it was pronounced as the fifth city in Kenya. Indeed, he said, its status as a city has made it a wealth and opportunity generator. According to Governor Bii, there have been an increase in business shows and sports activities.
To fortify Eldoret’s position within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, there is a collaboration with the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Initiatives geared at diversification within tourism include developing Kesses Dam as a tourist destination and upgrading cultural and natural tourist attractions within the county.
Contemporary Urban Development and Safety Schemes
The Governor also spoke about improvements that have been made with regards to safety and infrastructure. These include the approval of the Eldoret Solar Street Lighting project, which will offer 98 percent illumination. It will incorporate CCTV, facial recognition, and Wi-Fi among others and will have a capacity of 3MW/10MWh.
“These projects will make Eldoret a safer and more vibrant town, and will enable businesses and members of the local community to operate with confidence,” he added.
Also connected under electrification projects like Stima Mashinani and Transformer Maximization initiatives have been more than 900 households.
Improvement of Infrastructure and Partnership with NYS
Governor Bii made an announcement regarding an agreement with the National Youth Service (NYS) for rehabilitating over 700 kilometers of roads within all wards in the county. The project aims at making transport easy for farmers and reducing transport costs.
He also unveiled projects involving the establishment of 30 modern bridges that will connect and improve trade among various communities. The Governor thanked President William Ruto for his national infrastructure developments, with projects valued at KSh 200 billion for road upgrades connecting Nairobi-Mau Summit and Nairobi-Naivasha.
Improving Water Supply and Enriching Learning Environments
Due to Eldoret’s rapid growth, Governor Bii indicated that more than 150 projects have been undertaken, ranging from desilting dams. Negotiations with the national government also seek an increase in Eldoret’s water sources.
Within the field of education, early learning continues to receive importance as the government builds 90 ECDE classes and 13 administration blocks. Technical and vocational training institutions are also being upgraded to offer skills necessary for competing opportunities internationally.
Agriculture Development via Adding Value
Governor Bii explained that several agro-processing projects have been implemented and made available for farmers to earn more money. Among these projects include an already completed potato processing factory in Ainabkoi, an on-going coffee mill factory at Cheramei, and almost completed animal feeds factory at Mugundoi.
“These facilities are very important for reducing losses and improving our agriculture sector,” he said.
Healthcare Strengthening and Social Protection
The county received medical supplies worth KSh 68 million from KEMSA. Governor Bii encouraged citizens to join the Social Health Authority (SHA) for affordable medical services. Governor Bii also welcomed any investment that might have been sparked by President Ruto’s visit to the USA aimed at developing health systems within counties.
Youth and Women Empowerment Initiatives
To empower youth and small businesses, he mentioned the internship project worth KSh 100 million and Fanikisha Hustle Fund worth KSh 40 million, targeting youth and women. Recipients will be carefully identified at ward levels.
Affordable Housing Projects on Track
Governor Bii highlighted various affordable housing projects, including Kidiwa, Pioneer, AMS, and the Embu and Eldoret Railway City project. Governor Bii encouraged people to sign up on Boma Yangu so as to get the benefits of affordable housing.
A Call to Patriotism To conclude, the Governor urged everyone to rekindle a sense of national pride. “Our independence is a living promise that calls us to unity and responsibility,” he said. He wished all residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026, reiterating his dedication to a stronger, more inclusive, and progressive Uasin Gishu.
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