Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has declared that ongoing multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects will pave the way for the elevation of Meru town to city status.
Speaking during a public sensitisation forum at Gakoromone market, Kindiki said major investments in roads, health and sports facilities will transform Meru into a modern urban centre ready for official city conferment by President William Ruto.
Key among the projects is the Sh1 billion construction of an ultra-modern fresh produce market at Gakoromone and a Sh1 billion expansion of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital into a twin-tower complex with specialised facilities.
The upgrade will enable the hospital’s elevation from Level 5 to Level 6, allowing it to offer advanced services including cancer, heart and kidney treatment.
Kindiki said the expansion will reduce the burden on patients from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit and Laikipia Counties who currently travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
“The expansion will see the hospital offer specialised facilities like delicate surgical procedures, cancer, heart and kidney treatment to pave way for the hospital’s elevation from the current Level 5 to Level 6, a National Teaching and Referral Hospital,” Kindiki said.
Other flagship projects include the Sh3.7 billion Meru Town bypass roads and the Sh900 million completion of Kinoru Stadium.
The Deputy President said Sh39 billion worth of road works are ongoing across the county’s nine constituencies following the settlement of pending bills to contractors.
Additionally, 17 fresh produce markets valued at Sh2 billion are under construction, while 26,000 households, businesses and institutions are being connected to electricity under a Sh2.3 billion programme.
Kindiki used the forum to dismiss the DCP party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as politically insignificant, saying it cannot rival the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general election.
He cited UDA’s recent by-election victories, including the election of Leo Wamuthende in Mbeere North and Mohamed Tubi in Isiolo South, as proof of the party’s dominance.
He urged Gachagua to trend carefully or he will face the same shame like it happened during the by-elections.
“There is a clear distinction between leaders who merely talk and those focused on development. We cannot abandon a government that is delivering projects for wananchi,” Kindiki said, warning the opposition to brace for defeat in 2027.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma and local MPs present at the event rallied residents to back the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the Gakoromone market and sewerage relocation project will spur business growth and create jobs.
Edited by John Majau
