President William Ruto has revealed plans to elevate Meru town to city status, setting the stage for it to become Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon during a roadside rally at Makutano Junction, Meru County.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Ruto said Meru’s rapid growth and expanding economic potential made it a strong candidate for city status.
He also committed to major infrastructural investments to support the transformation.
"The governor has said he wants Meru to become Kenya's next city. Do you want Meru to become the next city? So, do you think I did not know that? I already had that idea in mind," Ruto said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
To bolster Meru's development, the President announced that the national government would release Sh2 billion for the construction of 16 modern markets across the region.
The new markets are aimed at boosting trade and improving livelihoods in the largely agricultural county.
In a directive issued on-site, Ruto tasked Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa with ensuring the county's sewer system is fully upgraded by December this year — a critical step toward city readiness.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they’re about creating an environment that attracts investment, supports commerce, and enhances quality of life,” the President noted.
The move comes in response to an official request from Meru
Governor Isaac Mutuma, who urged the Head of State to recognise Meru’s growing
importance as a regional economic and population hub.
“Our big problem, which was the sewer system in Meru, will be completed so that the next city in Kenya becomes Meru. We want the next city to be clean once the sewer system has been rectified,” said Governor Mutuma.
Meru’s bid for city status mirrors Nakuru’s journey, which culminated in its elevation in 2021 after Senate approval.
Under Kenya’s Urban Areas and Cities Act, a town must have a minimum population of 250,000, a functioning urban development plan, and the financial ability to sustain city-level services to qualify for city status.
