Meru County government has formally transitioned from planning to full-scale implementation after locking in a results-driven performance framework ahead of the third quarter of the 2025/2026 Financial Year, set to begin in January.
Speaking during a performance contract signing ceremony held at the Governor’s Boardroom, Acting County Secretary David Baariu said the county was now firmly focused on delivery as the second quarter draws to a close.
“As we conclude the second quarter, our focus is no longer on planning but on tangible results. The third quarter will be judged purely on delivery and measurable impact to the people of Meru,” Baariu said.
This follows after the signing of performance contracts by Governor Rev. Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia with all County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), a move that Baariu said had set a clear tone for accountability and execution across the county administration.
“Performance contracting is not a formality. It is a binding commitment that defines what must be achieved, by whom and within what timelines,” he noted.
Operating under a unified One-Government framework, CECMs, Chief Officers and heads of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) committed to clearly defined, department-specific performance targets, with Departmental Directors witnessing the process to ensure technical readiness and accountability.
Baariu said the approach would eliminate duplication and inefficiencies in service delivery.
“The One-Government framework ensures there will be no duplication, no gaps and no excuses. Every department understands its role and is accountable for results,” he said.
Key performance indicators for the coming quarter include expanded household water connectivity, rehabilitation of stalled water projects and reduction of non-revenue water losses.
Other priorities include full implementation of Trade and Cooperatives policies, enhanced support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and operationalization of county markets.
In the education sector, the county is targeting improved access to and quality of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) through recruitment and deployment of instructors, alongside accelerated development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) infrastructure and skills programmes aligned to local economic needs.
Strengthening municipal governance also features prominently, with departments expected to implement approved workflows, development plans and service delivery standards. Additional indicators cover completion of roads and other infrastructure projects, digitization of county services, agricultural input distribution, improved functionality of health facilities, revenue growth and higher project absorption levels across departments.
Baariu said all commitments would be subjected to strict monitoring.
“Quarterly performance reviews will be firm and evidence-based. What matters is what citizens can see, use and benefit from,” he said.
