A Bold City Vision for Meru

President William Ruto has declared his intention to transform Meru town into Kenya’s fifth official city. Speaking passionately to residents at Makutano Junction, Meru, he revealed that the government already has plans underway to realize this ambition, aligning it with national goals of urban development and regional equity.

Meru’s elevation comes on the back of strong population growth, increased commercial activity, and a surge in infrastructural upgrades that mirror what Kenya’s other cities—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru—have undergone in previous years.

Government to Inject Ksh2 Billion into Meru’s Urban Transformation

To back this declaration, the President announced an immediate allocation of Ksh2 billion to support the development of 16 new modern markets in the region. The aim is to not only empower local traders but to establish the town as a commercial and investment hub for Eastern Kenya.

These markets are part of a strategic upgrade meant to give Meru the commercial clout and physical infrastructure expected of a city. President Ruto emphasized that economic readiness would go hand-in-hand with policy decisions on urban elevation.

Sanitation First: Sewer System Overhaul Ordered

In a move that signaled urgency, Ruto tasked Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa to ensure Meru’s sewer system is fully operational by December. This directive comes amid widespread concerns over poor sanitation facilities, which have long undermined the town’s growth potential.

According to the President, a functioning sewer system is a non-negotiable prerequisite for city status. It reflects not only hygiene standards but the government's seriousness about offering sustainable urban living.

Local Leadership Pushes for Recognition

The elevation request was originally initiated by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, who praised the region’s steady development, including the completion of several key infrastructure projects. He appealed to the President to reward this progress by officially recognizing Meru as Kenya’s next city.

Mutuma stressed that once the sewer system is completed, Meru would meet the benchmarks necessary for cityhood, including population size, infrastructure, and a formal development plan.

How Meru Compares: Lessons from Nakuru's Journey

Meru’s journey follows in the footsteps of Nakuru, which gained city status in 2021 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Nakuru's elevation was triggered by demographic expansion, infrastructural growth, and increased revenue generation capacity—all factors that Meru is now aggressively working to mirror.

For Meru to officially become a city, it must satisfy the legal and structural requirements laid out by Kenya’s Urban Areas and Cities Act, including:

• -A minimum population of 250,000 residents

• -A comprehensive city development plan

• -Demonstrated economic sustainability and revenue capacity

If all goes according to plan, Meru could receive its city charter within the next few years, marking a historic milestone for Eastern Kenya.

What City Status Means for Meru

City status would open Meru to:

• -Increased national funding

• -More foreign and domestic investments

• -Improved planning and service delivery

• -Urban job creation

• -Tourism and cultural promotion

The move is expected to not only change Meru’s skyline but also strengthen its political and economic standing nationally.