Meru town has taken a major step towards becoming Kenya’s sixth city after the county government appointed a special committee to assess whether it meets the legal requirements for the upgrade.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, October 23, Governor Isaac Mutuma named seven representatives from professional organisations to serve on the committee for one year.
The committee includes representatives from the Institution of Surveyors, Kenya Institute of Planners, Architectural Association of Kenya, Law Society of Kenya, Association of Urban Areas and Cities and Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Their task will be to assess Meru Municipality’s readiness for city status and advise the government on whether the town qualifies for the conferment.
President William Ruto received by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma during an event in Meru County on June 28, 2026
PCS
William Samoei Ruto
Governor Mutuma’s appointment is part of a legal process that requires an assessment to be done before a municipality can be considered for elevation to city status.
Under Kenyan law, specifically the Urban Areas and Cities Act, a municipality seeking city status must meet several conditions, including having a population of at least 250,000 people and an integrated development plan.
The municipality must also demonstrate its ability to raise enough revenue to support its daily operations and the capacity to provide essential services to the residents.
The law also requires a municipality to have adequate infrastructure, including roads, street lighting, markets, and fire stations, and must also have proper waste disposal and enough space for future expansion.
If the seven-member team finds that Meru meets the requirements, it will make recommendations that will then go through the county executive and County Assembly before being sent to the Senate for consideration.
The Senate will then inform President William Ruto of its decision before the Head of State then confers city status on Meru through a charter, officially declaring it 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 that the application proceed to the President for declaration as a city.
In July 2026, the Senate committee gave the green light to Thika’s application, citing its population, infrastructure, industrial activity, and ability to generate revenue.
An aerial view of Thika Town.
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