Uasin Gishu County gov't embarks on drainage improvement to avert floods in Eldoret City

Uasin Gishu County government has embarked on widespread drainage improvement project in a bid to combat flooding caused by heavy rains pounding the region.

The efforts, led by the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works, involve clearing blocked culverts and constructing new drainages in both urban and rural areas.

Teams have been deployed to heavily affected areas to remove silt, debris, and garbage from clogged drains, particularly around Eldoret City and nearby estates.

The devolved unit is using machinery such as excavators, backhoes, and trucks to enhance natural waterways and build new drainage infrastructure to prevent future waterlogging.

Major interventions are underway in Kimumu, Megun, Moiben, Kuinet-Kapsuswa, Cheptiret-Kipchamo, and Ngeria Wards, with specific attention given to Kapkobil, Royalton, and the Madonna–Chepkonga road.

Eldoret City Manager Elzeba Busienei who visited Eastleigh area to inspect the blocked drainages in the Western part of the City stressed the need for this exercise to mitigate disasters before severe damage is caused to homes and roads.

The project is supported by the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program (FLLoCA) and aims to incorporate community involvement, with ward administrators emphasizing the employment of local youth for these projects.

"We call on residents to avoid dumping waste into drainages and to exercise caution during the rains," Busienei said.

The City Manager assured that the City management will always be on the forefront in maintaining ample environment for doing business.

Following the elevation of Eldoret to city status in August 2024, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has initiated a series of infrastructure projects to upgrade the city’s capacity to handle increased population and economic activity.

His plans, anchored in his "Nguzo Kumi" development pillar, focus on transforming the city into a modern, 24-hour business hub through improved mobility, utilities, and urban planning.

Among the infrastructure improvements under Governor Bii's administration include road upgrades and urban mobility.

The county is acquiring an asphalt plant to transition urban and residential roads from murram to bitumen standards, starting with areas like Langas.

To alleviate congestion, the administration is opening and rehabilitating several link roads, including a 21.5-kilometer project connecting Eldoret International Airport to the town and Moiben Junction.

Expansion of pedestrian walkways is also underway, especially along major roads, to improve safety for pedestrians and support athletes.

A Sh3 billion project is planned in partnership with private entities to install a 3MWp solar power plant and over 200 kilometers of underground power distribution, including fiber optic cabling to boost security and foster a 24-hour economy.

Governor Bii's administration is also in the process of constricting the 64 Ultra-Modern Market in the CBD is underway to accommodate over 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises.

The county is collaborating with the national government to build over 20,000 affordable housing units in the first phase to manage population influx.

"These improvements are designed to attract investment and provide better amenities, ensuring Eldoret functions as a true city rather than just a commercial town," Bii said.