
Public Schools in Eldoret CBD to Close for Town’s City Status Upgrade
As part of a plan to expand Eldoret town in Kenya in anticipation of it gaining city status, two public schools located in the central business district (CBD) will be shut down and students will be relocated to other schools.
The plan, which is set to take effect at the end of the year, has been recommended by an ad hoc committee chaired by the region’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairperson, Willy Kenei, and approved by over 93% of residents through public participation forums.
The committee’s report has been forwarded to the county assembly and will later be sent to the Senate and the President for consideration and the granting of a charter for Eldoret to become Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
The decision to shut down Eldoret Central primary and Eldoret Central secondary schools, which sit on more than 10 acres of land valued at over Sh5 billion, has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, however, has assured them that they will be involved in discussions and deliberations over the relocation of students to other public schools outside the CBD. Bii stated that the land currently occupied by the schools will be needed for the construction of commercial buildings, parking space, and malls to support the economic growth of Eldoret town.
The governor has urged the county assembly to expedite discussions on the report recommending the elevation of Eldoret to city status, as preparations are underway to host the CoG devolution conference in August, which is expected to be attended by over 10,000 local and international delegates, including President William Ruto.
Bii emphasized that once the city status is granted, the need for land for development projects to boost the town’s economic growth, such as parking space, will arise, necessitating the relocation of students from the affected public schools.
Eldoret Central primary and Eldoret Central secondary schools have a combined enrollment of over 5,000 students, many of whom come from low-income areas and slums around the town. The schools are currently sponsored by the Reformed Church of East Africa.
Despite concerns about the school closures, Bii has reiterated that stakeholders will be involved in the decision-making process and that the final decision will be implemented with their input. He emphasized that the expansion of Eldoret town and the potential for it to gain city status is a strategic move to promote economic growth and development in the region.
Public Schools in Eldoret CBD to Close for Town’s City Status Upgrade