KERICHO, Kenya – President William Ruto has hinted at plans to elevate Kericho town to city status as his administration steps up investment in housing, roads, markets, sports and electricity infrastructure across the county.
Ruto said Sh5.6 billion is being invested in the first phase of an affordable housing project in Kericho that will deliver 2,200 units, with the wider programme targeting 5,000 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. A Special Economic Zone will also be established to attract investment and unlock digital opportunities,” Ruto said.
The President made the remarks on Thursday, September 10, during his development tour of Kericho and Bomet counties.
Housing project anchors Kericho city plan
Ruto linked the affordable housing programme to the broader ambition of transforming Kericho into a city, with the proposed Special Economic Zone expected to attract new investments and expand opportunities in the digital economy.
The first phase will comprise 2,200 affordable housing units, while the full programme is expected to deliver 5,000 units.
The projects are part of the government’s wider urban development strategy, which seeks to improve housing, infrastructure and economic activity in growing urban centres.
Sh1.1bn Kapkatet Stadium launched
During the tour, Ruto launched construction of the Sh1.1 billion Kapkatet Stadium in Bureti Constituency.
The 10,000-capacity facility will feature a six-lane running track, a standard football pitch and other sporting facilities.
Construction is expected to be completed early next year.
The government has also allocated Sh1 billion for sports infrastructure in Kericho town as part of efforts to expand sporting facilities in the county.
Kapkatet Modern Market handed to traders
Ruto later handed over the Kapkatet Modern Market to traders, adding to a network of modern markets being developed across Kericho County.
The facility can accommodate more than 200 traders and is equipped with electricity, water, toilets, storage facilities, cold rooms and internet connectivity.
The President said the modern markets are intended to replace open-air trading spaces and provide traders with better and more organised working conditions.
The government is implementing more than 600 modern markets across the country.
Kericho joins city status race
Kenya currently has five officially conferred cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Eldoret became the country’s fifth city in August 2024.
Under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, an urban centre seeking city status must meet various requirements, including population thresholds, infrastructure, revenue-generation capacity and the ability to provide essential services.
Several other urban centres are also pursuing city status. Thika’s bid has reached an advanced stage following Senate approval, while Meru and Kericho are among the towns seeking elevation.
For Kericho, the proposed housing development and Special Economic Zone are being positioned as part of a broader transformation agenda aimed at expanding the town’s economic base and supporting its potential elevation.
Sh3.1bn road project launched
Ruto also presided over the groundbreaking of the Sh3.1 billion Sabunit-Kapkondor/Furaha-Hill Tea Access Road in Kipkelion East.
The 53-kilometre road includes a five-kilometre link to the Tea Research Centre and is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
The project is expected to improve connectivity in tea-growing areas and make it easier to transport agricultural produce to markets.
The President also highlighted electricity connections being undertaken in the region, including a Sh1.6 billion programme targeting 16,000 households.
The investments span roads, electricity, water, housing, markets and sports infrastructure, forming part of the government’s wider development programme in the South Rift.
Ruto was accompanied during the tour by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and other leaders.
