Nakuru officially becomes Kenya's fourth city

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday officially conferred city status to Nakuru Municipality making it the fourth city in Kenya after Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

Nakuru was first endorsed for city status on June 3, 2018, after its citizens, through its municipality expressed their desire to the national government to have it upgraded. The application was soon after forwarded to the Senate and on June 3, 2021, 38 senators voted to have the city's status elevated, whereas two opposed.

Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday, President Kenyatta underscored that Nakuru has passed all legal criteria and it was appropriate that the town be upgraded to a city.  

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Head of State and government under section 7 of the Urban areas and cities Act and all other enabling provisions of law, I Uhuru Kenyatta President of the Republic in Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces do hereby confer city status to the Nakuru municipality,” President Kenyatta said much to the joy of citizens who had gathered at the Nakuru Athletics Club.

The Head of State added that Nakuru will enjoy all the powers, rank and privileges that come with being granted city status.

“Now henceforth may it be known by all persons and the authorities that the Nakuru municipality is to be known as the city of Nakuru. The City of Nakuru shall therefore have all the rights, duties and standing of a city provided under the Urban areas and Cities acts and all other applicable laws,” he said.