Business Community Raises Alarm Over Drainage, Traffic, and Security in Eldoret City

 

By Wasike Elvis 

 The business community in Eldoret City has raised serious concerns about deteriorating infrastructure and security lapses that they say are threatening the growth and viability of enterprises in the area. Speaking on behalf of the traders, Uasin Gishu Chapter Chamber of Commerce Chairman Willy Kenei outlined a series of persistent challenges affecting businesses in the city, urging both the national and county governments to take urgent corrective measures.

Poor Drainage Paralyzing Business

Top among the concerns raised is the poor state of drainage systems in Eldoret, especially in the Central Business District (CBD) and adjacent areas. Kenei identified Bandaptai, near the Catholic Church, as one of the areas worst affected by flooding. According to him, even a short period of rainfall is enough to send torrents of water into nearby shops and premises, damaging goods and temporarily shutting down business operations.

“Traders have already endured enough disruption, especially when roads were being constructed. Now they are being hit again by flooding. It’s unacceptable,” Kenei said.

He called on the County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with national agencies, to redesign and implement a modern drainage system to prevent such incidents. He emphasized that unless action is taken swiftly, businesses may be forced to relocate, hurting the city’s economic potential.

Traffic Congestion and Road Safety

Kenei acknowledged the efforts made by the county in improving traffic flow through the installation of traffic lights, particularly along Uganda Road and other major arteries. These interventions, he said, have improved pedestrian safety and eased congestion to some extent.

However, he noted that traffic snarl-ups remain a major headache in other parts of the city due to limited traffic management infrastructure. He urged the county government to expand the traffic lights program and install additional units at strategic junctions such as Paul’s Bakery, Daima Towers, and the Kisumu Road flyover.

“Traffic flow has improved in areas where traffic lights were installed. But much more still needs to be done. Expanding this initiative would reduce congestion and make movement around the city smoother for both motorists and pedestrians,” he noted.

He further proposed that heavy commercial trucks be barred from passing through the CBD during peak hours and instead be redirected through designated bypasses to ease congestion and enhance road safety.

Parking Shortage Worsening

With Eldoret having recently been elevated to city status, the demand for urban infrastructure, including parking facilities, has soared. Kenei lamented that it is virtually impossible to find a parking spot in the CBD past 11 a.m., a problem that not only frustrates business owners but also discourages customers from visiting the city center.

He called for urgent reforms, including the enforcement of building regulations that mandate underground or rooftop parking for new developments. In addition, he suggested partnerships with private landowners to temporarily convert idle plots into public parking spaces.

“As the city grows, we must also plan for vehicular movement and parking. If customers can’t find space to park, they’ll shop elsewhere. That’s bad for everyone,” he said.

Insecurity and Street Lighting

On matters of security, Kenei acknowledged that street lighting had improved during the early years of devolution. However, he expressed concern that a large portion of these lights have since been vandalized or have become dysfunctional.

He urged the county government to prioritize the repair and maintenance of street lights, especially in residential estates, where insecurity has been on the rise. Improved lighting, he argued, would not only reduce crime but also support the emergence of a 24-hour economy—a vision that many in the business community support.

“We can’t talk about a 24-hour economy when people are scared to walk around after dark. The infrastructure must match our aspirations,” Kenei stated.

Infrastructure Projects Need Acceleration

Kenei commended the ongoing road upgrade projects within Eldoret and praised the county for initiating ambitious infrastructure works. However, he warned that the pace of implementation must be accelerated to keep up with the city’s fast-growing population and economic activity.

“Delays in infrastructure completion mean higher operational costs for businesses and inconvenience for residents. We urge all stakeholders to fast-track these projects for the benefit of everyone,” he added.

A Call to Action

The Chamber of Commerce chair called for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the business community, county leadership, and the national government. He stressed that public-private partnerships and open dialogue would be key to resolving the city’s challenges.

Kenei concluded by reaffirming the business community’s commitment to the growth of Eldoret, saying the city holds immense potential to become a commercial hub if the right investments in infrastructure and security are made.

“Eldoret is on the verge of a major transformation. But to fully unlock its potential, we must act decisively on these critical issues. The time for talk is over—it’s time to act,” he said.