President William Ruto has announced that Meru town will soon be elevated to city status, as his administration commits Ksh.7 billion to redesign the Nithi Bridge a long-standing safety concern for residents.
Speaking on Sunday at St. Mary’s AIPCA Church in Kathelwa, Meru County, Ruto said the government is determined to eliminate the risks posed by the Nithi Bridge, which has claimed lives and caused numerous accidents for nearly two decades.
“We want to straighten the Nithi Bridge so that it stops being a trap where citizens lose their lives and experience many accidents,” the President stated.
As part of broader development plans for Meru, the government has also allocated Ksh.800 million for the construction of 17 modern markets to boost local trade and economic growth. Additionally, Ruto revealed that a state lodge in Meru is expected to be completed by December, in preparation for the town’s upgrade to city status.
The President further highlighted progress in the affordable housing agenda, noting that 2,000 units have already been completed in Meru County, with 8,000 more planned pending land acquisition. “Ksh.33 billion was allocated for housing in Meru; Ksh.21 billion has been used, and Ksh.12 billion remains,” Ruto said.
On education, Ruto emphasized the government’s investment in access and affordability, revealing that 100,000 teachers have been employed and 23,000 new schools constructed nationwide. He added that university and technical college fees have been reduced by up to 15 percent, ensuring that students from low-income families pay as little as Ksh.10,000 per term.
In addition, the President announced a Ksh.2 billion allocation for rural electrification in Meru County, targeting 26,000 households.
