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President William Ruto has announced a proposal to upgrade Meru town to city status, positioning it to become Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
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The declaration was made on Saturday during a public address at Makutano Junction in Meru County.
Speaking to a lively crowd, President Ruto cited Meru’s fast-paced development and growing economic strength as key reasons it qualifies for elevation. He also promised significant infrastructure upgrades to support the transition.
“The governor has already expressed interest in Meru becoming the next city. Do you support that? You think I hadn’t thought of it? I had already considered it,” Ruto said to loud cheers.
To support the city’s growth, Ruto announced that the national government will allocate Sh2 billion to construct 16 modern markets in the region, aimed at boosting local trade and improving residents’ livelihoods.
In addition, he instructed Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa to ensure the full upgrade of Meru’s sewer system by December—an essential requirement for achieving city status.
“These projects go beyond infrastructure; they are about creating a favorable environment for investment, economic activity, and a better quality of life,” the President emphasized.
This initiative follows a formal appeal from Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, who urged President Ruto to recognize Meru’s rising status as an economic and demographic hub in the region.
“Our biggest challenge—Meru’s sewer system—is being addressed. Once completed, Meru will be ready to become Kenya’s next clean and modern city,” Governor Mutuma said.
Meru’s city bid is following a path similar to Nakuru, which officially attained city status in 2021 after Senate approval.
According to Kenya’s Urban Areas and Cities Act, a town must meet several conditions to be declared a city, including having at least 250,000 residents, a working urban development plan, and sufficient financial capacity to provide essential city services.
