Ruto pledges to elevate Meru to city status, construct State Lodge

President William Ruto speaking during a Church Service at St Mary’s AIPCA Church, Kathelwa, Meru on October 5, 2025 / PCS.

President William Ruto has announced plans to elevate Meru to city status and construct a State Lodge in the region by December this year. 

Speaking during a Church Service at St Mary’s AIPCA Church, Kathelwa, Meru, the President said the government had already initiated discussions to make Meru Kenya’s next city after Eldoret, which was recently conferred city status.

"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," he added.

The Head of State said Meru’s growing economy and strategic location make it a suitable candidate for elevation, adding that the new status will open doors for greater development and investment opportunities in the region.

Ruto also disclosed plans to build a State Lodge in Meru, saying it would facilitate government engagements in the Eastern region.

“We have five cities in Kenya, and the last one recently made a city was Eldoret. The one that follows is Meru, Meru City, and because Meru will be a city, I’m also planning to construct a State Lodge in Meru. Some leaders have asked me to come here for three days. Do you want me to come and sleep in a hotel for that long? I should look for a house to sleep here,” the President said.

He directed his team to ensure that the facility is ready by December, saying it will serve as a venue for regional consultations.

If implemented, Meru will become the sixth city in Kenya after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

The conferment of city status in Kenya is governed by the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011. 

The process requires meeting several criteria, public participation, and multiple levels of governmental approval. 

Eldoret was recently elevated to city status.

A town (municipality) must satisfy certain statutory requirements, among them a minimum population (for example, at least 250,000 people) and the ability to generate sufficient local revenue to sustain services and infrastructure.

Eldoret exceeded these benchmarks, with an estimated population of about 475,716, revenue potential over Sh2.5 billion, and substantial own-source revenue. 

There must be proper urban planning. Eldoret had an Integrated Urban Development Plan (2021-2026), a Spatial Plan, and Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan in place. 

The town also had to demonstrate adequate infrastructure transport (roads, rail, air), utilities (water, sewerage), public institutions (hospitals, universities), markets, street lighting, among others. 

Public participation is required. Eldoret’s process involved an ad hoc committee that held hearings: more than 200 stakeholders appeared, and roughly 99 per cent approved of the elevation during those hearings.