President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to elevating Meru to city status, saying key projects are already underway to prepare the county for the upgrade.

Speaking on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at St Mary’s AIPCA Kathelwa Church in Meru, the president said the government had released funds for roads and markets to support Meru’s transition into a city.

“Kwa sababu mmeskia governor wetu hapa akisema tuko na cities 5 Kenya. City ya mwisho, ama mji wa mwisho kufanywa city ni Eldoret. Ile city ambayo inafuata ni city ya Meru. Na ili tuwe na Meru city, nimeambia governor na bunge la Meru wafanye mambo. Na mimi nitafanya maneno,” Ruto said.

He explained that part of his role would be to ensure that Meru’s road network meets city standards.

“Na kati ya maneno lazima nifanye nikuakikisha ya kwamba tunajenga barabara za kutosha pale Meru town. Tayari serikali ya Kenya tumetoa zaidi ya billioni tano na ndugu zetu wa World Bank. Kilomita 17 including bypass, ya pale Meru town,” he said.

The head of state added that the government was waiting for final approvals from the World Bank to begin the road works. He said Ksh800 million had also been allocated to construct a modern market at Gakoromone to strengthen Meru’s urban infrastructure.

“Na vile vile ili iwe city ya sawa sawa lazima tujenge soko ya kisasa. Na ndio sababu hiyo tumewapatia Ksh800 million kujenga soko pale Gakoromone,” he added.

Ruto’s remarks follow an earlier appeal from Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, who urged the President to grant Meru city status before the 2027 General Election. Mutuma said the elevation would boost the county’s image and attract more investment. He also reminded the President that Meru had shown strong support for him in the 2022 polls, ranking fourth nationally in votes delivered to his camp.

Ruto announces State Lodge

The President also announced plans to build a State Lodge in Meru Town by December 2025 to support his future visits to the region.

“I have told my people to have a State Lodge ready for me by December, where I will come and we will discuss issues of this region of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and the rest,” Ruto said.

To speed up the city upgrade, Ruto noted that about KSh20 billion had been set aside for infrastructure improvements in the wider Meru region.

If realised, Meru will become Kenya’s sixth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.