Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia has dismissed criticism from his predecessors over alleged failures in service delivery, insisting his administration is firmly focused on environmental conservation and improved urban management.
Speaking at the Meru County headquarters during the flagging off of a new garbage collection truck, the governor took a swipe at former governor Kawira Mwangaza, accusing her of spreading misinformation about waste management in the county.
“I hear former governor Kawira is collecting photos of other countries like Soweto in South Africa and other countries and littering her Facebook page with lies and propaganda to discredit my administration. Let me inform the failed former Governors that we are focused, intentional, and determined to achieve people’s aspirations and offer services to Meru people on health, Water, environment and every other department,” he said.
Governor Mutuma said cleanliness remains a top priority for his administration, describing a clean environment as central to public health, business growth and the county’s vision of attaining city status.
“We are very happy because cleanliness is next to godliness. We are deliberate in doing what is right to deliver services to the people of Meru,” Mutuma said. “To make a city is an achievable dream, but we must maintain cleanliness and work together with all players, including the business community.”
The governor said his administration has already acquired two garbage collection trucks within a few months of assuming office, through partnerships with development partners, including the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme and the World Bank.
He noted that the renewed partnerships are aimed at reversing setbacks experienced in the past two years.
“These garbage trucks are part of our agenda to ensure a clean, safe and non-hazardous environment for our people. We cannot do it alone, which is why we are bringing back partners who had left the county due to the bad leadership of Mwangaza,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma added that environmental protection efforts are being complemented by investments in fire-fighting infrastructure to safeguard lives and property as Meru grows.
He said the county plans to acquire more fire engines to meet the requirements of an expanding urban centre.
Addressing broader development issues, the governor urged the national government to include Meru in ongoing relief food distribution programmes, citing the impact of failed rains.
He said the county will also allocate funds in a supplementary budget to support schools with fortified porridge and food supplies.
The governor further announced incentives for youths who recently benefited from the Nyota programme, saying no business licences will be charged as they establish their enterprises.
He also highlighted recent milestones, including the signing of the Nkubu Municipality charter and the enactment of the Miraa Bill.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said they are grateful to President William Ruto to announce intentions to elevate the town to a city.
She said the county is very prepared to ensure all set guidelines and necessities are met including on environmental management.
She warned residents against dropping garbage anyhow but rather put them at designated areas for easier collection.
Chief Officer for Water and Environment Mutuma Kang’ote said the county had purchased two garbage collection trucks in the last three months, significantly boosting waste management capacity.
“This achievement has been made possible through collaboration between the county government and development partners,”
Kang’ote said. “We urge businesses to store waste at designated areas for easy collection and to stop littering.”
He said the county has adequate personnel to handle waste collection and plans to employ 40 more workers, all of whom will be equipped with protective gear and tools.
Kang’ote also warned against illegal dumping, saying enforcement measures will be taken against offenders, adding that skip loaders are available to access hard-to-reach areas.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood welcomed the acquisition of additional garbage trucks and called for stricter measures to curb littering.
“Those who litter the town should be punished. Dustbins should be reintroduced,” Dawood said, proposing separate bins for general waste, recyclables and food waste to enhance environmental sustainability.
The MP also spoke on fire safety, noting that donated fire engines would be operational once county legislation on buying fire extinguishers is implemented.
He thanked President William Ruto for the disbursement of Nyota funds, saying they are critical in empowering youths and boosting local economic growth.
