When Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago ascended to power after the 2013 general elections, Eldoret, the county’s capital was literally in a total mess. Structures were scattered all over without a plan and the streets were full of hawkers making it heard even for pedestrians to move around. The town was basically dormant with no signs of growth but fast forward four years later and we are now talking of elevating Eldoret into a city status, all this thanks to efforts by governor Mandago.
Hate him or love him, Mandago is the man behind the tremendous growth Eldoret town has witnessed since 2013. When he took over, he began by demolishing illegal structures, mostly the Mpesa shops as well as bringing sanity among traders within the Central Business District (CBD). His efforts to ‘clean’ the town almost cost him his seat in the 2017 general elections especially after the matter was politicized and took tribal lines.
Mandago has, however, stood his ground and as at now, Eldoret town streets are clean and movements across the town are much easier than it was in 2013.
Almost all the streets in Eldoret town and its surroundings now have streets lights, a move that has enhanced security and is slowly transforming the town into a 24-hour economy.
All major roads in the town now have walk-paths, though some will argue the project was implemented by the World Bank, the fact remains that it was done under the Mandago’s administration.
It is a fact that under the leadership of Mandago, Uasin Gishu was ranked as the best county in terms of ease of doing business by the World Bank and this explains why more investors are putting their money in Eldoret.
More Malls are coming up, Rupa's mall, arguably the most prestigious in town was recently opened, Highlands mall is under construction and when you move around the town buildings are being constructed and sooner or later, Eldoret will be a city, hopefully before Mandago complete his second terms in office.