Nakuru County government has submitted its report on the elevation of the town to city status, Governor Lee Kinyanjui now says.
The Chairperson of the Devolution and Intergovernmental Committee tabled the report that documents assurities that all urban challenges and planning are adequate for the town to be elevated.
As a result of the new constitution and devolutionary government structure, Nakuru Municipality will be the first to be granted city status.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, chair of the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, made the announcement when he tabled the report before the House on Tuesday afternoon.
“Mr Speaker Sir, after scrutiny, the committee has approved the application by Nakuru County to have Nakuru Municipality given city status,” stated Mr Kajwang.
Prior to approval, the Senate committee met with the county executive committee and the municipal board, as well as paid a study visit to Nakuru to examine the city’s readiness for the elevation. The group met seven times to discuss the issue.
It was determined that the population of Nakuru Municipality, which stands at 367,183 persons, exceeds the statutory population threshold of 250,000 people under the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011.
Governor Lee Kinyanjui said the city will open new fortunes for the strategic town in Kenya’s rift valley, and its people.
“We remain hopeful that the interest of the people of Nakuru will prevail and usher a new beginning for the residents. Progress is not an accident, it is a product of deliberate and calculated actions that are synchronized to deliver specific outcomes.”
