Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has established Ad hoc Committees to evaluate six townships for potential elevation to town status, an initiative expected to spur urban expansion and transform service delivery for local communities.
The declaration, documented in a Gazette Notice issued on May 22, targets the assessment of Kesses-Cheboiywo, Turbo, Moiben, Ziwa, Burnt Forest, and Moi’s Bridge, all situated within Uasin Gishu County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, with the implementation scheduled to occur over a four-month timeframe.
“IN ACCORDANCE with the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya and section 8 (3) (a) of The Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011, I, Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Governor of Uasin Gishu County, appoint…to serve as members of the Ad hoc Committee on conferment to town status for a duration of four (4) months, effective from the 20th April, 2026,” stated the official notice.
Turbo Township’s selection among the six designated locations has drawn particular public interest, as it encompasses Sugoi, the well-known hometown of President William Ruto.
Each of the six townships will have its own seven-member committee, resulting in a total of 42 appointed reviewers deployed to the field, selected from various professions to ensure the evaluation process is comprehensive and multifaceted.
The appointees were recommended by professional organizations, including the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), and the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).
Additional representation comes from nominees of the Association of Urban Areas and Cities (AUAC), the Business Community, and the Institute of Certified Accountants of Kenya (ICAK), providing each committee with robust technical and commercial expertise.
Every committee operates under a four-month mandate beginning April 20 to complete their assessment and submit formal recommendations regarding whether the respective townships satisfy the legal prerequisites for town status.
Attaining town status in Kenya represents a significant administrative achievement that generally leads to increased investment in infrastructure, systematic urban development, and enhanced service delivery compared to standard township classification.
It also signifies the local economy’s transition from rural to urban characteristics, resulting in greater public funding for infrastructure development and employment opportunities.
This development occurs against the backdrop of President William Ruto having granted the city charter during a ceremony conducted at the Eldoret Sports Club.
Conversely, while President Ruto has disclosed intentions to advance this elevation, the county has established a City Status Board to expedite the proceedings.