President William Ruto has revealed that the government has plans to elevate Meru town to a city status and construct a State Lodge by December this year.
Speaking during a church service at Mary’s AIPCA, Kathelwa, Meru County, President Ruto stated that he has directed the relevant officials to have the State Lodge ready the end of this year.
He noted that the town posseses key attributes that makes it eligible for upgrading to a city status. He also added that with the State Lodge in place, it would be easier to facilitate government initiatives in 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.
With the President’s declaration, Meru is poised to become Kenya’s sixth city, following Eldoret, which was recently granted city status.
“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,” he stated.
The President also announced that his administration is implementing major projects such as roads, to boost infrastructural development in the county.
He disclosed that the World Bank has allocated Ksh5 billion for the construction of 10-kilometre road and a bypass, which he says will transform the region and open doors for investment opportunities.
“The government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has allocated Ksh.5 billion for a 10-kilometre road and bypass to support the transition,” he informed.
Regarding the Nithi Bridge, known for frequent accidents, the president said the government is committed to addressing the issue.
“We want to straighten the Nithi Bridge so that it stops being a trap where citizens lose their lives and experience many accidents,” he said.
“Now we have a funded plan for roads over the next two years. This will ensure our roads are safe,” he added.
