Meru names panel to assess Kenya's sixth city bid
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Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has appointed a seven-member committee to assess whether the municipality meets the legal requirements for elevation to city status.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has named a seven-member committee to assess Meru Municipality's readiness for city status and advise the national government on whether the town qualifies, according to a gazette notice dated Friday, October 23.
The committee draws representatives from the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, the Kenya Institute of Planners, the Architectural Association of Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, the Association of Urban Areas and Cities and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The members will serve for one year.
Under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, a municipality seeking city status must have a population of at least 250,000 and an integrated development plan. It must also demonstrate the ability to raise enough revenue to support its operations, the capacity to provide essential services and adequate infrastructure, including roads, street lighting, markets, fire stations, proper waste disposal and space for future expansion.
If the committee finds that Meru meets the requirements, its recommendations will go through the county executive and the County Assembly before being sent to the Senate for consideration. The Senate will then inform President William Ruto, who confers city status through a charter.
Approval would make Meru Kenya's sixth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Meru's push comes as other Kenyan towns pursue similar upgrades. Thika recently moved closer to city status after the Senate's Devolution Committee recommended in July 2026 that its application proceed to the President, citing its population, infrastructure, industrial activity and ability to generate revenue.