“People Abroad Can’t Even Pronounce Us”: Governor Bii Proposes Renaming Uasin Gishu County To Eldoret

Governor Jonathan Bii has proposed changing Uasin Gishu County to Eldoret County. He says the current name confuses investors and visitors. Speaking at the 2025 Kenya Software and AI Summit at Moi University Annex Campus, Eldoret, he explained the need for alignment.

Bii recounted a recent trip to China. Foreign delegates struggled to pronounce “Uasin Gishu” and mistook it for another city. “People abroad say Eldoret County and Uasin Gishu County like they are two different places,” he said. “It’s hard to market a name many can’t even pronounce.”

He pointed out that other major cities, like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, share their county names. Eldoret, elevated to city status by President Ruto in August 2024, is the only exception. This difference, he says, makes international promotion difficult.

“Aligning the names will help investors and visitors instantly identify our city and county,” Bii added. He also suggested that AI could help promote Eldoret globally. The city is the commercial hub of Uasin Gishu County. Key towns include Turbo, Moi’s Bridge, Burnt Forest and Matunda.

Earlier this year, Bii announced plans to upgrade six urban areas into municipalities. The aim is to boost development and improve infrastructure.

The county’s name has historical roots. It comes from the Maasai clan Illwuasin-kishu, who grazed their cattle on the plateau. Later, the Nandi people displaced them. The British anglicized the plateau as “Uasin Gishu” after the Anglo-Maasai Agreement of 1911.

Bii’s proposal seeks to clear confusion and improve marketing. If approved, Eldoret County would match other major cities. It could attract more investors, tourists and international partners. The plan has sparked debate over heritage and identity among residents and political observers.