Tourism PS Julius Bitok in his officeTourism PS Julius Bitok has declared his interest in the Uasin Gishu governorship, promising to transform and rebrand Eldoret into a modern city with greater opportunities for residents.
Bitok said he was already working on a master plan to help actualise Eldoret’s city status and position it as a major economic hub for the region and beyond.
Eldoret was elevated to city status two years ago, but Bitok said he believed more needed to be done to translate the designation into tangible improvements for residents.
He said his campaign would be anchored on a development agenda he has dubbed “Agenda ni Sita na City”, focusing on a six-point plan centred 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.
He told the Star the ministry was planning to host World Tourism Day celebrations in Eldoret on September 27, which he described as an opportunity to market the city as a tourism destination.
“The Tourism Day celebrations will open up many other plans we have for Eldoret. We plan to profile the city and work on improving its infrastructure, medical tourism and also streamline licensing for trade to help spur growth and investment,” Bitok said.
Bitok, who is popularly known as “Simba ni Moja” in Uasin Gishu politics, said his agenda would also focus on the culture of the Kalenjin community and other local communities as part of efforts to promote cohesion and unity.
He said the county had opportunities that could be tapped to empower young people and women while creating employment opportunities.
“We will also look at environmental issues and the general beautification of Eldoret through a bottom-up approach, as per the vision of President William Ruto,” Bitok said.
Bitok is among several politicians expected to contest the Uasin Gishu governor’s seat next year, in a race in which Governor Jonathan Bii is seeking a second term.
Bitok lost in the party primaries during the previous elections but has since remained active in Uasin Gishu politics.
His supporters and some residents have cited his experience and policy proposals as reasons they believe he could mount a strong challenge for the county’s top seat.
“Devolution is still lagging behind in Uasin Gishu because of failed leadership, and Bitok has the necessary experience, expertise and vision to take the county to the next level,” resident Josephine Ruto said.
However, Bitok faces competition from other prominent aspirants, including businessman and politician Bundotich Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, who is also expected to make another bid for the governor’s seat.
Governor Bii has maintained that he will seek a second term, defending his administration’s record and urging his political rivals to reconsider their bids.
The emerging contest is expected to centre on development, the future of Eldoret as a city, service delivery, employment and the broader economic direction of Uasin Gishu.
