President William Ruto has unveiled a bold plan to elevate Maralal town in Samburu County into a small city as part of his administration’s efforts to enhance service delivery and stimulate development in Northern Kenya.
Speaking on Sunday, November 9, 2025, during a church service at All Saints Pro-Cathedral in Samburu, Ruto said the government has already allocated funds for key infrastructure projects, including tarmacking roads and improving water supply.
“Pia Samburu town hii yenu pia nimetafuta milioni mia tano za kutengeneza lami hapa kwa town. Hiyo ikae kama city ndogo hapa Maralal. We are planning so that we can improve the infrastructure around the city,” said the President.
Ruto added that by 2026, residents of Maralal will have a reliable water supply, ending the long-standing challenge of water scarcity in the region. “Tulijenga dam kubwa huko Yamo, sasa tumetafuta mifereji… mwaka ujao maji iwe imesambazwa hapa town yenu,” he noted.
Maralal, a hillside town east of the Loroghi Plateau, serves as the administrative headquarters of Samburu County. The town is known for its cultural heritage and strategic location as a gateway to Kenya’s northern frontier.
The President’s announcement comes amid his administration’s broader plan to elevate towns into cities to spur regional growth. In August 2024, Eldoret officially became Kenya’s fifth city after meeting the requirements of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011.
If actualized, Maralal’s elevation will attract investors, boost infrastructure development, and create employment opportunities for local residents. Ruto emphasized that improved infrastructure will make Maralal a hub for trade, tourism, and investment in Northern Kenya.
“The infrastructure of a city will attract more and quality investments, presenting an opportunity to harness its full potential,” he said.
The plan signals Ruto’s commitment to balanced regional growth and his vision of expanding urban centers beyond traditional economic hubs.
