Colonial Era: The rise of Moi’s Bridge, an old town set for facelift

Moi’s Bridge, a once-colonial and now cosmopolitan trading center, is set for a major facelift to improve service delivery for the business community and the large population in the busy town along the Kitale-Eldoret highway.

Originally named “Hoey’s Bridge” after a renowned colonial settler in the region, it was later renamed Moi’s Bridge,  after Kenya’s independence in 1964.

It was part of the White Highlands, a region where fertile land was seized from indigenous communities and allocated to European settlers under 999-year leases, beginning in 1905.

This area became central to British agricultural ventures. After Kenya’s independence in 1964, a new bridge was built in the town, then renamed Moi’s Bridge to reflect the shift in national identity and reclaim local heritage.

The second largest town in Uasin Gishu County is located just along the border with Trans Nzoia and Kakamega counties and is home to diverse communities making it a unique cosmopolitan urban market.

An ambitious program by the County Government is set to upgrade the urban center to a municipality, enabling it to receive more amenities that will better serve the growing population.

Moi’s Bridge is among six townships in Uasin Gishu County slated for upgrade to municipal status. This initiative is part of the county’s urban development strategy, aligning with the Nguzo Kumi initiative and the Urban Areas and Cities.

The appointed committees will oversee the upgrade process, focusing on urban planning, waste management, and public participation.

The project aims to enhance infrastructure, attract investment and improve governance with the support of urban funds for development.

Governor Jonathan Bii has revealed plans to have the colonial urban centre have a fire station, better drainage and roads that will ensure services for the locals.

Residents have urged the County government to allocate enough funds to support the facelift program and ensure they receive better social services.

Earlier in January this year, traders at the market suffered significant losses when a fire broke out and destroyed over 50 shops belonging to local vendors.

The incident highlighted the challenges faced in firefighting, as firefighters had to be mobilized from Trans Nzoia to assist the traders.