By Dennis Dibondo and William Muchiri
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said ongoing multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects will pave the way for the elevation of Meru town to city status, citing massive investments in markets, health, roads and sports facilities.
Speaking yesterday during a public sensitisation forum at Gakoromone Market, Kindiki announced that the government has released Sh1 billion for the construction of an ultra-modern fresh produce market at the site.
He said the project is part of a broader transformation agenda aimed at positioning Meru as a modern urban centre ready for official city conferment by President William Ruto.
The Gakoromone market project comes alongside a KSh1 billion expansion of the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital into a twin-tower complex equipped with specialised medical facilities.
The hospital upgrade is expected to elevate the institution from its current Level 5 status to Level 6, making it a National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“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,” Kindiki said.
He noted that the upgrade will ease the burden on patients from Meru and neighbouring counties — including Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit and Laikipia — who currently travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment. The improved facility is expected to shorten travel distances, reduce medical costs and enhance access to critical healthcare services.
Kindiki also inspected the ongoing construction works at the hospital and called for speedy but quality implementation to ensure timely completion.
Other flagship projects include the Sh3.7 billion Meru Town bypass and link roads, which are set to improve mobility and decongest the town, and the recently completed KSh900 million Kinoru Stadium with a 10,000-seat capacity.
Across the county, the Deputy President said KSh39 billion worth of road works are ongoing in all nine constituencies following the settlement of pending bills owed to contractors. Additionally, 17 fresh produce markets valued at KSh2 billion are under construction, while 26,000 households, businesses and public institutions are being connected to electricity under a KSh2.3 billion rural electrification programme.
Kindiki said the coordinated rollout of infrastructure projects is designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and uplift livelihoods, positioning Meru as a regional economic hub.
During the forum, the Deputy President also weighed in on the political landscape, dismissing the DCP party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as politically insignificant ahead of the 2027 General Election. He said the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) remains dominant, citing recent by-election victories, including Leo Wamuthende in Mbeere North and Mohamed Tubi in Isiolo South.
“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, urging the opposition to prepare for defeat in 2027.
Leaders present said the ongoing mega projects mark a decisive step towards transforming Meru into a fully-fledged city anchored on modern infrastructure, quality healthcare and expanded economic opportunities.
Those in attendance included Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, his deputy Linda Kiome, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, Members of Parliament Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), as well as Members of County Assembly and other local leaders who pledged support for the development agenda.