The City of Eldoret’s top management on Friday convened a public participation forum at the City Social Hall, bringing together stakeholders from all nine wards, representing both the public and private sectors.
The forum provided a platform to review key policy and legislative instruments aimed at strengthening governance, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable urban development.
Chaired by City Manager Ms. Elzeba Busienei, the forum focused on three instruments: the Urban Climate Risk Profile, the Private Sector Engagement Framework, and the Uasin Gishu County Financing of Urban Areas Bill.
These instruments, anchored in the minimum requirements of the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) Phase II, are designed to strengthen the city’s governance framework, enhance Eldoret’s capacity to deliver services independently, and attract investors by prioritizing key development projects.
Speaking at the forum, Ms. Busienei said, “Once approved by the County Assembly, these policies and the Bill will provide a clear roadmap for governance, investment attraction, and sustainable development.”
County Attorney Mr. Silvester Metto, who attended the forum as Chief Legal Adviser to the County Government, noted that the Bill will facilitate the transfer of functions from the county government to the city. “I am confident that once approved by the County Assembly, the Bill will provide a framework for governing the City of Eldoret, its municipalities, and towns,” he said.
The Private Sector Engagement Framework will create opportunities for mobilizing additional financing, attracting investments into priority projects, and supporting youth and women through economic empowerment initiatives.
The Urban Climate Risk Profile will identify climate risks facing Eldoret City to guide decision-making in prioritizing adaptation and mitigation measures. This will be vital to ensure that, amidst rapid urbanization and climate change, planning incorporates identified resilience strategies.
Residents also shared their views. Yusila Kimeli of Kuinet, a person with a disability, commended the city’s transformation and called for disability concerns to be mainstreamed across urban development. Jeremiah Maranga of Kamukunji praised the city’s leadership and pledged to collaborate on issues such as disaster management to ensure a safer city.
The forum underscored Eldoret City’s commitment to participatory governance, climate resilience, and sustainable urban financing, positioning it as an investor-friendly and resilient urban centre.
Also in attendance were Deputy Directors Mr. Francis Chirchir and Ms. Leah Birgen; Assistant Directors Ms. Penina Katam, Mr. Swaleh Kassim, and Mr. Emmanuel Biwott; Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Jackson Limo; and other city officials.
