MaurineTheuri
Member
The Senate has confered the status of a city to Nakuru town thus begining the long awaited transition of the Rift Valley provincial headquarters to a city.
The Senate made the decision during a special sitting convened on Thursday, June 3.
After the approval, the report is expected to be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta for further approval after which Nakuru will be the bonafide fourth city in the republic of Kenya in line with the Urban Areas and Cities Act.
Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang tabled the report seeking the elevation of Nakuru town to a city after scrutiny by Senate committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.
“After scrutiny, the committee has approved the application by Nakuru County to have Nakuru Municipality given city status," Kajwang urged the house during the submission.
While giving their submissions on whether or not the town should be elevated to a city, the Senators said that a lot has to be done as the town journeys to a new status.
"To whom much is given, much is expected," Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula said.
"There is a big catchment for this town called Nakuru. Presidents, members of this house have interest in Nakuru that they can support and raise the funds Nakuru needs in transformation to city status," West Pokot Senator Samuel Pogisho said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen in his submission, asked Nakuru County government to be firm on the architectural design of buildings in the town as it journeys to a city status.
"We don't want to have a city where buildings look like boxes. The County Government of Nakuru must put in place a proper planning department with a clear message of those who want to invest in Nakuru to have a unique architectural design.." Murkomen said.