Uasin Gishu Governor Launches Committees for Township Elevation under Urban Development Initiative
Proposals have been made to elevate Moi’s Bridge, Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Moiben, Turbo, and Kesses townships to municipalities.
Ziwa Town/Photo Nyongesa Sande facebook
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, on Friday, inaugurated ad hoc committees assigned with the pivotal task of soliciting public feedback, aligning with the parameters delineated in the Kenya Urban and Cities Act of 2019. Their mandate encompasses the elevation of Moi’s Bridge, Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Moiben, Turbo, and Kesses townships to municipalities.
Governor Bii underscored the urgency of expediting this two-month endeavor to ensure meticulous urban planning for the future. “The exercise will encompass urban planning, waste management, revenue collection, citizen service delivery, and the devolution of services closer to the residents,” he articulated.
He emphasized the imperative of detailed planning to accommodate the inevitable expansions as these towns evolve. Concurrently, the ad hoc committees will scrutinize whether the townships meet the criteria for elevation, while Eldoret town anticipates obtaining a city charter by August this year.
Governor Bii also acknowledged the potential for town name alterations, citing examples like Burnt Forest or Jua Kali, subject to public proposals and historical reflections.
Tito Koiyet, the Manager of Eldoret Municipality, anticipates that the elevation of additional municipalities will enhance service delivery and elevate living standards for the residents of Uasin Gishu. “We have been the sole town in Kenya with only one municipality. The elevation of these townships will unlock unique development prospects for our people, fostering improved infrastructure across all municipalities,” Koiyet remarked.
Dr. Janet Chemeli Kosgei, the CECM for Land, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, asserted that the committees will conduct comprehensive public participation across the six sub-counties, ensuring residents’ opinions are duly considered.
Moi’s Bridge MCA, Patric Kimeli, a prospective beneficiary of one of the municipalities, anticipates that it will attract more resources to the populace, not only from the county and national government but also from other stakeholders.
The MCA for Langas ward Francis Muya, also the leader of the minority at the Uasin Gishu County assembly, urged residents within the aforementioned townships to actively participate and endorse plans for their elevation. He believes such action will guarantee enhanced local-level development.
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