President William Ruto addressing Kericho residents during his tour to the South Rift on September 10 / PCSPresident William Ruto has pledged to begin the process of elevating Kericho town to city status as part of plans to transform the county into a planned urban and economic hub.
Speaking while addressing residents in Kericho on Thursday, Ruto said the government had resolved issues surrounding Chelimo land, paving the way for development plans in the town.
“I have come to Kericho because I want to elevate this town to a city status. What is your opinion, should Kericho become a city?” Ruto asked residents.
The President said the government would begin developing affordable housing as part of the plans to transform Kericho into a city.
He said Sh5.6 billion had been set aside to construct the first 2,200 affordable housing units, with a target of 5,000 units in Kericho.
“I thank the county government because we have been able to sort out issues affecting the Chelimo land. We have now resolved that issue, and we plan to build a planned city in Kericho County,” Ruto said.
Ruto also announced plans to establish a Special Economic Zone in Kericho, saying the project would create opportunities for young people with digital skills.
“This Saturday, we are going to start the Special Economic Zone to help our young people, those who have digital skills, to ensure they get jobs to work worldwide while they are here in Kericho town,” he said.
The President announced plans to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the town.
He said Sh1 billion had been set aside for the construction of a medical school in Kericho, with the project expected to begin this month.
“Because we have Kabianga University and it has medical students here in Kericho, I have set aside Sh1 billion to construct a medical school in Kericho town; the project will start this month,” Ruto said.
He added that the government would also construct two referral hospitals in Kericho.
The President is currently on a four-day visit to the South Rift region.
Ruto launched the construction of the 53-kilometre Sabunit-Kapkondor/Furaha-Hill Tea Access Road in Kipkelion East, Kericho County, for Sh3 billion.
The road is expected to connect tea farmers and other producers to processing facilities and markets, while reducing travel and transportation costs.
It will also improve access to schools, health facilities and other essential services for residents in the area.
Ruto also launched the Kipkelion Last Mile Connectivity Project, which will expand access to electricity for more households and businesses.
The President said the government is investing Sh22 billion in Kericho County to construct 300 kilometres of roads.
The investment is aimed at opening up the county, improving connectivity and strengthening the local economy.
Ruto said the government has also revived stalled road projects across the country by settling Sh900 billion owed to contractors, enabling them to return to construction sites.
He said new road projects have also been launched, with more than 6,000km of roads currently under construction nationwide.
