The State of the Eldoret Commonwealth European Cemetery.

By William Kiptoo 

Have you had a chance to visit the Eldoret European War Cemetery? Well, I had the chance to explore this historical site just yesterday.

Situated in Uasin Gishu county, approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Eldoret town center, towards Iten, the cemetery is conveniently located near the Eldoret airstrip, nestled between the newly established Subaru Estate.

Previously, a narrow track led visitors to the cemetery, but due to the construction of Alphax College and new buildings, access has been rerouted. Now, visitors can reach the cemetery by following a winding path that meanders around Subaru Estate. 

The significance of this cemetery lies in its five Commonwealth burials from the Second World War, along with one French war grave. In 1945, the colonial government designated this site to honor the fallen soldiers and their families who bravely participated in World War II. Over the years, these burial sites have been meticulously maintained and periodically renovated. The Commonwealth War Commission used to provide financial assistance to the now-defunct Eldoret Municipality for the upkeep of these graves. It remains uncertain whether they continue to support the County Government of Uasin Gishu to maintain it. Nevertheless, the Commission diligently maintains thousands of other graves across various regions of the world, ensuring that these heroes are never forgotten.

Regrettably, the current state of the cemetery leaves much to be desired. It suffers from poor maintenance, with some graves falling victim to vandalism. Additionally, the lack of a protective fence leaves the site vulnerable and exposed. Furthermore, the cemetery is situated in a marshy area, exacerbating the conditions, particularly during rainfall.

Efforts should be made to restore this sacred place to its former glory. The historical significance of the graves to Eldoret and Uasin Gishu as well as the sacrifices made by those laid to rest here deserve the utmost respect and care. By preserving it, we ensure that future generations learn from it.


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