President William Ruto has announced plans to elevate Kericho town to city status as the government steps up investments in housing, healthcare, roads and other infrastructure.
Ruto made the announcement during his tour of Kericho County on Thursday and Friday, September 10 and 11, saying the planned developments would help transform the town into a modern city.
The President said more than Sh12 billion had been committed to various projects in the area as part of the plan.
Among the projects is the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units, with Sh5.6 billion allocated for the first 2,200 units.
“To transform Kericho town into a city, Sh5.6 billion is being invested in the first 2,200 affordable housing units of a total of 5,000,” Ruto said.
The government also plans to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kericho to attract investors and create new economic and digital opportunities.
On healthcare, Ruto announced plans to construct a medical school at a cost of Sh1 billion. Construction is expected to begin soon alongside ongoing plans involving Londiani and Kericho referral hospitals.
The government is also investing in sports infrastructure, with Sh1.1 billion set aside for the construction of Kapkatet Stadium and another Sh1 billion for a stadium in Kericho town.
A further Sh1.6 billion has been allocated to expand electricity connections across the county.
The President said the government would also improve roads to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets.
Kericho now joins Thika and Meru among towns seeking elevation to city status.
Kenya currently has five cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Eldoret became Kenya’s fifth city in 2024.
For a town to qualify for city status, it must have at least 250,000 residents and demonstrate the ability to generate enough revenue to sustain its operations.
It must also have adequate public services such as water, sanitation and emergency services, as well as proper roads, street lighting and waste management systems.
