Eldoret Jubilee Celebrations, 1962

By Hillary Kosgey Arap Masut, from An Anthology of Memoirs

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 8 March 2026.

During the Jubilee celebrations of Eldoret in 1962, the Mayor, Abdulaziz G. Peera, invited residents and visitors to join in marking an important milestone in the history of the town.

In his message, the Mayor reflected on the early days of Eldoret, noting that it had already emerged as a lively township and an agricultural centre in the first decade of the twentieth century. At that time the railway line was still about sixty four miles away, and the early settlers relied mainly on ox wagons to connect with rail and road communications in the lowlands.

He praised the steady progress of the town, explaining that its development had been made possible through cooperation among the different communities living there. The first Municipal Board was established in 1930 and initially included European and Asian members. From 1947 African members were also included, allowing representatives of all communities to work together in promoting the welfare and advancement of the town.

The Mayor reminded residents that Eldoret had been elevated to the status of a Municipal Council in 1958, and that in 1959 the Governor formally presented the Municipal Charter to the Mayor, marking an important stage in the town’s growth.

The Jubilee celebrations brought together visitors from many parts of the country and included a wide programme of events organised by the Jubilee Celebrations Committee and its sub committees. The Mayor paid tribute to the many volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to organising the festivities.

The celebrations were further honoured by the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who had seen Eldoret during its earlier years. The events also coincided with the Western Kenya Show organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Kenya.

The Mayor concluded by wishing the people of Eldoret and all visitors a joyful and memorable week as the town celebrated a significant milestone in its history.

Summarised from the Mayor's message in the 1962 Eldoret Jubilee programme. First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 8 March 2026.

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