President William Ruto on Thursday, officially conferred city status to Eldoret Municipality.
"I, Kipchirchir William Samoei Ruto, president of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of Kenya’s Defence Forces do hereby ordain, declare and direct that the municipality of Eldoret has been conferred with city status," Ruto announced,
As part of the conferment, the Head of State also awarded State honours to individuals with distinguished and outstanding services. They ranged from athletes to philanthropists and government workers.
"In honour of the immense contributions made by these visionary sons and daughters of Eldoret, I present the following persons for conferment of National Honours in recognition of their distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities," announced Felix Koskei as Ruto awarded the honours.
Here are the 22 distinguished individuals and their achievements;
1. Vivian Cheruiyot - Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CGH).
Long distance runner, 3-time diamond league holder.
2. Late Ezekiel Barngetuny - Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CGH)
Philanthropist who founded Barngetuny Plaza
3. The late Paul Boit - Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EGH)
Successful Educationist who built schools and designed all the schools as public schools for wider access
4. George Kibet - Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS)
5. Dr Lodhia Prabhudas - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Established General Medical Practitioner in Eldoret
6. Joseph Lesiew - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Longest serving mayor of Eldoret Municipality
7. George Kiprono - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Successful large-scale farmer
8. Moses Tanui - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Renowned Athlete and founder of Eldoret City Marathon
9. Kamau Miyako - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Businessperson and founder of Miyako Hotels
10. Late Oloo Owino - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Late mayor and founder of the Opera House
11. Barnabas Arab Kiprono - Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)
Businessperson and has built Eldoret a block after another
Head of State Commendation (HSC)- Civilian Division
1. Stephen Maraba - Philanthropist and founder of Valley Hotel
2. Late Malakwen Arap Sisiwa - Founder of Bismillahi Langot House
3. Late Kimwatan Kabuliot - Founder of Kabuliot House
4. Late Isabella Abura - Councillor in Eldoret Municipality
5. Late Ngugi Gitonga - Founder of the Sosiani House
6. Late Edward Limo - Part of a Christian Revival Movement that encouraged people to live Christian lives
7. Victorina Rotich - Prominent large-scale farmer
8. Ajay Shah and Shah Family - Prominent industrialists who established Ken-Knit Kenya Ltd.
9. Late Elisha Kari Businei - Accomplished trader and member of Eldoret Municipality Controls Board
10. Late Paul Kamau - Founder of Paul's Bakery
11. Wycliffe Matuli Okwaro - Longest serving staff of Eldoret Municipality. He served for 43 years since 1981.
