Speaking during his tour of Kericho County on Thursday and Friday, September 10 and 11, Ruto outlined a number of investments he said would help transform the town and prepare it for city status.
The President said more than Ksh12 billion had been committed to various development projects in Kericho, including housing, healthcare, water, electricity and infrastructure.
Ruto revealed that Ksh5.6 billion was being invested in the first 2,200 affordable housing units, with the wider housing programme targeting a total of 5,000 units.
“To transform Kericho town into a city, Ksh5.6 billion is being invested in the first 2,200 affordable housing units of a total of 5,000,” Ruto said.
The government also plans to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kericho, which is expected to attract investors while creating new economic and digital opportunities for residents.
On healthcare, Ruto announced plans for the construction of a Ksh1 billion medical school, with the project expected to begin soon. He also highlighted planned developments involving Londiani and Kericho referral hospitals.
The President further announced major investments in sports infrastructure. Ksh1.1 billion has been allocated for the construction of Kapkatet Stadium, while another Ksh1 billion will go towards a stadium in Kericho Town.
Additionally, Ksh1.6 billion has been set aside to expand electricity connections to homes across the county, alongside road projects aimed at improving the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.
If the plan progresses, Kericho would join Thika and Meru among the towns pursuing city status.
Kenya currently has five cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, with Eldoret receiving city status in 2024.
For a town to qualify for city status, it must meet several requirements, including having a population of at least 250,000 residents, demonstrating the ability to generate sufficient revenue and showing capacity to provide essential services such as water, sanitation and emergency services.
It must also have adequate infrastructure, including proper roads, street lighting and functional waste disposal systems.