Eldoret to honour athletes, farmers who put city on the map

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has unveiled plans to recognise sports personalities, farmers and business leaders who have contributed to Eldoret’s transformation into a vibrant city.

Eldoret, long celebrated as a hub for farming and athletics, was elevated to city status two years ago as Kenya’s fifth city.

Governor Bii said the policy would honour individuals who have enhanced the city’s profile locally and internationally, particularly athletes who have placed Eldoret on the global map.

“The time has come to recognise and honour such individuals, including those who retired many years ago,” Bii said.

He added that distinguished sportspersons could enjoy privileges such as streets named in their honour and free parking within the city.

“Such great people have made us proud, and they should not be bothered with issues like parking fees because they have made Eldoret great.”

The governor spoke during the media launch of the seventh edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, where the county also announced a Sh15 million sponsorship for the 2026 race.

An agreement outlining the organisation of the marathon was signed at the event.

“As the executive, we are working on a framework that will honour the people who have brought pride to this city,” Bii said, directing the county executive to speed up the process.

“We are talking about our farmers who have tilled the land for decades and invested here, as well as our sportsmen and women who have conquered the world and reinvested their earnings back home.”

Bii said Eldoret’s rapid infrastructural growth has largely been driven by local investors, including farmers, entrepreneurs and internationally acclaimed athletes.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Moses Tanui, who owns property in the city, and double world steeplechase silver medallist Moses Kiptanui, who runs a chain of supermarkets across Eldoret and the North Rift, are among the athletes investing in the city.

Prominent farmers and business leaders, including the proprietor of North Rift Shuttles, will also be recognised under the framework for their role in shaping Eldoret’s economic landscape.

The governor said the executive would work closely with the county assembly to develop and operationalise the recognition framework.

County Commissioner Edison Nyale highlighted collaboration between the national and county governments to strengthen the sports sector.

County Secretary Philip Melly said the framework would leverage sports and sports tourism to unlock further business opportunities in Uasin Gishu and the wider North Rift.

County Assembly speaker Philip Muigei pledged legislative support for the growth of the Eldoret City Marathon.

Sports executive Robert Kemei said his department is implementing the governor’s vision of nurturing and expanding local talent, sentiments echoed by chief officer CPA Victorine Kapkiai.