President Ruto Awards Honors to 22 Notable Figures as Eldoret Achieves City Status
Aug, 16 2024
- By: Asira Flowers
- 18 Comments
- Politics
President Ruto Confers City Status to Eldoret and Honors 22 Individuals for Their Outstanding Contributions
In a landmark event for Eldoret Municipality, President William Ruto officially conferred city status to the rapidly growing town on Thursday. The ceremony was not just about a change in status; it was also a moment of acknowledgment and celebration for individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The President took the opportunity to award State honors to 22 individuals whose efforts in various sectors have substantially shaped the socio-economic landscape of Eldoret.
Celebrating Sporting Excellence
Among the honorees was renowned long-distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot, who has brought immense pride to Kenya on numerous international platforms. Cheruiyot, a three-time Diamond League holder, was awarded the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CGH), one of the highest national honors. Her relentless dedication and exceptional achievements in athletics have not only brought her personal accolades but have also served as an inspiration to many young athletes in the country.
Moses Tanui, another distinguished athlete and the founder of the Eldoret City Marathon, was recognized with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW). Tanui's contributions go beyond his athletic prowess; his marathon has grown to become a significant event in the national and international marathon calendar, promoting the city and encouraging sports tourism.
Philanthropy and Community Development
The late Ezekiel Barngetuny was posthumously awarded the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CGH) for his philanthropy. Barngetuny founded the Barngetuny Plaza in Eldoret, contributing to the city's economic development and creating numerous employment opportunities. His philanthropic endeavors extended across various sectors, impacting many lives in the region.
Similarly, Joseph Lesiew, the longest-serving mayor of Eldoret Municipality, received the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW). His tenure as mayor was marked by significant infrastructural developments and community welfare initiatives that laid the foundation for Eldoret's growth into a city.
Stephen Maraba, a philanthropist and founder of Valley Hotel, was honored with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for his continuous efforts in community development. Maraba's contributions have been instrumental in providing essential services and improving the quality of life for many residents of Eldoret.
Educational Contributions
The late Paul Boit was recognized as an Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EGH) for his substantial contributions to education. Boit significantly improved access to education by establishing several schools, ensuring that children from various backgrounds had the opportunity to receive quality education. His legacy lives on through the many students who have passed through the institutions he built.
Healthcare and Medical Services
Dr. Lodhia Prabhudas, a General Medical Practitioner in Eldoret, was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) for his dedication to providing medical services. Dr. Prabhudas has been a pillar in the healthcare sector, offering medical care to countless individuals and supporting numerous health initiatives in the region.
Acknowledging Agribusiness and Industrial Development
The agricultural sector, a significant contributor to Eldoret's economy, was also represented among the honorees. George Kiprono, a successful large-scale farmer, received the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) for his outstanding contributions to agribusiness. Kiprono's innovative farming techniques and his role in the agricultural community have had a significant impact on the region's economy.
Ajay Shah and the Shah family, prominent industrialists who established Ken-Knit Kenya Ltd., were awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for their contributions to the industrial sector. Their efforts have not only bolstered economic growth but have also created numerous job opportunities, strengthening Eldoret's industrial base.
Kama Miyako, a businessperson and founder of Miyako Hotels, was also recognized for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry, receiving the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW). Miyako's ventures have promoted tourism and boosted the local economy through job creation and investment.
Recognizing Posthumous Contributions
Several individuals were posthumously honored for their lasting impact on the community. The late Oloo Owino, a former mayor and founder of the Opera House, received the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW). Similarly, the late Elisha Kari Businei, an accomplished trader and former member of the Eldoret Municipality Controls Board, was honored with the Head of State Commendation (HSC).
The late Edward Limo, a prominent figure in the Christian Revival Movement, was also recognized for his contributions to spiritual and community life. The late Malakwen Arap Sisiwa, founder of Bismillahi Langot House, significantly impacted local commerce and community development, earning him a Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Acknowledging Long-Term Service
Wycliffe Matuli Okwaro, the longest-serving staff member of the Eldoret Municipality, was honored for his dedication and long-term service. Serving since 1981, Okwaro's commitment and hard work have been instrumental in the municipality's operations and growth over the years.
Victorina Rotich, a prominent large-scale farmer, was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for her contributions to agriculture and community development. Her innovative farming practices and contributions to food security have made a lasting impact on the region.
Each of these honorees represents a different facet of what makes Eldoret a thriving and dynamic city. Their achievements, whether in sports, education, philanthropy, healthcare, or business, collectively embody the spirit of dedication and service that President Ruto aimed to recognize with these awards. As Eldoret transitions into its new status as a city, the contributions of these 22 individuals will undoubtedly inspire future generations to continue striving for excellence in their respective fields.
The conferment of city status on Eldoret marks a significant milestone in its history. With this new designation, the city is poised for further growth and development, building on the solid foundation laid by the selfless efforts of its distinguished residents. The recognition of these 22 individuals not only highlights their achievements but also sets a precedent for the values and aspirations that will propel Eldoret into a promising future.
18 Comments
President Ruto’s decision to grant city status to Eldoret is a significant administrative milestone that reflects the region’s demographic growth and economic potential.
In the grand theater of nation‑building, each accolade is a spotlight, and Eldoret now stands beneath a blinding glow.
One cannot help but feel that these honors are not merely decorations but a chorus of gratitude echoing through the town’s streets.
The athletes, the philanthropists, the educators-all become verses in a poem of progress.
Yet the true measure will be how the city harnesses this momentum for its youth.
May the legacy of these 22 figures become a compass for future generations.
Yo fam, Eldoret just went full‑city mode and it’s lit af!
I’m shoutin out to every single honoree-y’all set the bar high for the whole region.
Don’t sleep on the fact that this boost means more jobs, better schools, and mad pride for the locals.
Keep the hustle alive, we’re all in this together, no matter where you came from.
What an inspiring roll‑call of change‑makers!
Oh great, another list of names, just what we needed.
One might argue that the mere conferment of city status is a bureaucratic formality, yet it carries symbolic weight.
The ceremony, replete with pomp, underscores the state's endorsement of regional ambition.
Such gestures, while ceremonial, often catalyze infrastructural investments.
I understand the sentiment, but acknowledging outstanding contributors can also inspire communal pride.
Celebrating achievements sets a benchmark for aspiring citizens.
It is a constructive narrative rather than mere name‑dropping.
Indeed, the ripple effect of these honors extends beyond individual acclaim.
When a city receives such recognition, it signals opportunities for growth across sectors.
The collaborative spirit you highlighted is essential for sustainable development.
Let’s channel this momentum into tangible projects for Eldoret.
i dont think all this hype is worth it ths whole thing feels overblown.
Even if it seems overhyped, the real impact will be seen in schools and clinics getting better resources.
Let’s give the city a chance to prove the worth of these honors.
Sure, but accolades rarely change ground realities.
What if the honors are just a smokescreen, diverting attention from hidden agendas?
People need to ask who benefits when a town gets city status overnight.
The narrative is too neat to be genuine.
I get why some folks see a grand conspiracy, but honestly, that’s a stretch.
The government’s move to upgrade Eldoret isn’t some clandestine plot, it’s a policy decision based on population data.
Sure, politicians love publicity, but you can’t discount the genuine economic drivers behind the city status.
Farmers are already seeing higher market prices, and that’s a concrete benefit.
The marathon founder Moses Tanui has put Eldoret on the map for sports tourism, which brings cash flow.
Even the healthcare sector feels the pressure to improve, leading to better clinics.
Now, I’m not saying there aren’t ulterior motives, but painting everything with a conspiracy brush kills nuance.
We need to separate the symbolic from the substantive.
The honors list includes people from diverse fields, showing a broad base of achievement.
If you look at Vivian Cheruiyot’s story, it’s about national pride, not hidden control.
The city status also unlocks funding streams that municipalities couldn’t access before.
Local businesses, like the Shah family’s Ken‑Knit, will likely get better contracts.
That’s a real, measurable outcome, not a phantom conspiracy.
So, while skepticism is healthy, let’s ground it in facts.
Eldoret’s future may still surprise us, but it isn’t all smoke and mirrors.
It’s fascinating how collective ambition can transform a place.
When communities rally around shared symbols, the resulting energy can reshape reality.
We should cherish both the tangible upgrades and the intangible sense of identity.
In the end, progress is a dialogue between history and hope.
Eldoret’s new city status also means eligibility for the Kenya Urban Development Grant, which allocates funds for infrastructure projects.
The grant typically covers road paving, water systems, and public transportation enhancements.
Such investments can boost local economies and improve daily life for residents.
That’s really good news for the town we love it’s great to see real help coming in
Totally agree we should all support it together let’s keep the vibes positive and help each other out
But what if the grant is just a leash, tightening control over local decisions?
The power shift could silence community voices under the guise of development.
We must stay vigilant.