William Ruto Promises To Elevate Homa Bay Town To A City: "We’re Planning"
- President William Ruto promised to elevate Homa Bay from a town to a city, highlighting significant funding for water access as a step towards this goal
- During his tour of Nyanza, Ruto declared his commitment to transforming Homa Bay into a city, although no specific timeline was provided
- To achieve city status, Homa Bay must meet criteria such as a population of at least 250,000, effective service delivery, and well-developed infrastructure
- The town must also secure approval from the Senate Committee on Devolution and demonstrate strong disaster management and waste disposal systems
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay - Homa Bay Town could soon join the ranks of Kenya’s cities if President William Ruto’s recent promise materialises.
Speaking on Thursday, August 29, during his tour of the town, the president was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from residents.
What is Ruto's promise to Homa Bay residents?
In his address, Ruto outlined his vision for Homa Bay, declaring his intention to elevate the town to city status.
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Ruto revealed that significant funding was allocated for water access, which would be a crucial step in the town’s development journey.
"We want this Homa Bay to stop being just a town. This Homa Bay, we want to plan for it to become a city. Do you understand me," Ruto said amid cheers.
While Ruto did not provide a specific timeline for the transformation, he assured residents of his government's commitment to the ambitious plan.
What Homa Bay must do to achieve city status
To be granted city status, a town must meet several criteria outlined in the Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, 2019.
The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations must also first approve the classification.
A key requirement for a town to be recognised as a city is that it must have at least 250,000 residents based on the final gazetted results of the last population census.
The town must clearly demonstrate its capacity to deliver essential services to its residents effectively and also involve residents in the management of the town’s affairs.
Homa Bay's infrastructure must be well developed, including roads, street lighting, and markets.
Effective disaster management systems must be in place alongside an efficient waste disposal system.
When was Eldoret conferred city status?
On Thursday, August 15, Eldoret was elevated to city status following a successful application process and approval by the Senate.
Ruto signed the charter and affixed the government seal, officially designating Eldoret as a city.
Residents of Eldoret could not hide their joy after the head of state conferred the municipality to the country's fifth city.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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President William Ruto at a past meeting.
William Ruto Promises to Elevate Homa Bay Town to a City: "We’re
William Ruto Promises to Elevate Homa Bay Town to a City: "We’re
