President William Ruto on Tuesday hosted leaders from Meru County, led by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, at State House, Nairobi.
The meeting was attended by 67 of the 69 Members of the Meru County Assembly and 11 Members of Parliament.
The MPs included Senator Kathuri Murungi, John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Dan Kiili Karitho (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), John Kanyuithia Mutunga (Tigania West), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Moses Nguchine Kirima (Central Imenti), Dr Shadrack Mwiti Ithinji (South Imenti), Elizabeth Karambu Kailemia (Woman Representative), and nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni Ikiara.
The leaders deliberated on various transformative programmes and projects being undertaken by the National Government in Meru County.
President Ruto highlighted key projects, including the construction of a new Nithi Bridge and a 17km Meru Town Bypass, at a cost of Ksh 3 billion, that are expected to start shortly.
He explained that the bypass aims at easing traffic congestion in the town, which has been earmarked for upgrade to Kenya sixth city status.
President Ruto said the government is investing KSh1 billion to upgrade Meru County Hospital into a national referral facility.
He also disclosed that an additional KSh100 million has been approved for the upgrading of Nyambene Hospital.
President Ruto noted that the government is building 3,000 affordable housing units in the county, with a target of constructing 10,000 units.
Additionally, he said 17 modern markets are currently under construction across the county, including at Kariene which will be one of the biggest in the country.
“No administration has built the number of fresh produce markets we are doing in Meru County,” he said.
The President also said construction of a revamped majestic Nithi Bridge will commence shortly, saying the contractor has already been identified.
On dairy farming, he noted that the government has already installed five milk coolers, with an additional nine to be delivered soon.
He further said the government has allocated KSh2.3 billion to connect over 30,000 households to electricity.
President Ruto said construction of roads has resumed across the country, pointing out that many roads are being built in Meru County.
“We have returned 95 per cent of contractors back to the roads,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto called for strengthening of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at the grassroots, and building it into a people-centred party with a strong national appeal.
He explained that participatory and democratic elections, beginning at the polling centre, are key to strengthening the UDA party.
The President explained that on Wednesday, he will host a UDA aspirants’ forum at State House, Nairobi, to deliberate on strengthening the party, especially at the polling centre and other grassroots structures.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government promotes national unity because it is necessary for implementing a heavy transformation agenda.
“We want to encourage the broadening of political leadership, including the inclusion of ODM and other parties, because we need to solidify national unity,” he said.
Governor Mutuma commended the projects the government is implementing in Meru County, citing the construction of roads, affordable housing and modern markets across the county.
Additionally, he said the NYOTA programme has had a major impact on the youth of Meru and neighbouring counties.
“We appreciate that you are keeping your promises to the people of Meru County,” he said.
Senator Kathuri called for the strengthening of UDA ahead of negotiations with ODM, noting that the party cannot negotiate from a position of weakness.
The MPs and MCAs vowed to support the government and President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
