By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 22 January 2026 - President William Ruto on Thursday unveiled a raft of major development projects for Meru County, promising multi-billion-shilling investments in roads, health and urban infrastructure aimed at transforming the region’s economy and improving residents’ quality of life.
Top of the President’s pledges is the construction of a KSh 3 billion Meru bypass, a project he said will decongest the town and fast-track its transformation into a modern city.
“We are changing the face of Meru and turning the town into a modern city through the construction of a KSh 3 billion bypass development that will reduce congestion in the town,” President Ruto said.
In a major boost to road safety, the Head of State announced that construction of the long-awaited Nithi Bridge will commence in February 2026 at a cost of KSh 7 billion.
The bridge is expected to significantly reduce fatal accidents along the Meru–Tharaka Nithi border.
“The construction of Nithi Bridge will commence in February 2026, an investment worth KSh 7 billion that will ease the incidents of fatal accidents along the Tharaka Nithi–Meru border,” he said.
President Ruto also delivered good news on healthcare, committing to upgrade Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level 6 facility to serve the larger Upper Eastern region.
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“We have committed to elevate Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level 6 facility to guarantee quality, accessible and affordable medical care to the residents of the county and the region,” he said.
The President was speaking to residents and traders of Makutano town after presiding over the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Business Start-Up Capital disbursement at Kinoru Stadium, where youth entrepreneurs received government-backed funding to start and expand their businesses.
He said the projects form part of his administration’s broader agenda to drive grassroots development, enhance public safety and expand access to essential services across the country.
Ruto Rolls Out Infrastructure, Health and Safety "Goodies” for Meru
President Ruto unveils multi-billion-shilling projects to transform Meru County
