The conferment of Eldoret Town to city status has been postponed.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii says that the event was to take place on August 8, but has now been moved forward for a week, and will now take place on August 15, 2024.

According to Governor Bii, the postponement was reached at after consultations with the national government. “Following communication from the President’s office the event has been moved forward by a week,” Bii said on Monday, August 5 morning.

However, the county boss was quick to assure residents that all preparations were going on well, with the extra week giving more time to finalise especially on the beatification of the town.

“All arrangements will go on as planned to ensure that we have the best celebrations to welcome the new city of Eldoret,” Bii said. “I call upon all of us to continue working with our county government towards making this great and historic event a success.”

Reports indicate that President William Ruto wanted the event to coincide with his visit to the town where he is expected for the winners’ gala of the ongoing Kenya Music Festival.

The Kenya Music Festival, an exhibition of students’ talent in music, dance and elocution, is being held at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret. It started on August 2 and is expected to end on August 14, a day before the conferment of city status.

Eldoret will attain city status when President Ruto will hand over the city charter to Governor Bii at a ceremony to be held at the Eldoret Sports Club.