Governor Mutuma unveils bold development blueprint in first State of the County address

Mutuma addressed the Meru County Assembly in a packed room, beginning his speech with a tribute to ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he referred to as "the father of devolution," before leading the House in a moment of silence. 

He also paid tribute to Meru residents and leaders who died during the county's chaotic political period, saying their sacrifices should not be forgotten.

The Governor stated that the previous year had been spent stabilising a county that he described as being on the verge of administrative paralysis due to constant leadership conflicts. 

He credited elected leaders, elders, religious institutions, the diaspora, and the business community with helping to restore calm, stating that Meru is now "peaceful, united, and stable," paving the way for a new development push.

Mutuma highlighted deepening ties with the national government, listing several high-value joint projects. 

These include the write-off of the Ksh 700 million Leopard Rock debt, the upgrading of Meru Level 5 Hospital to Level 6 with a new 250-bed ward block, and a major Ksh 800 million expansion of Gakoromone Market that he said will become one of the largest in East and Central Africa. 

Other projects include the upgrading of Maua, Kianjai and Mikinduri markets, government support for Kinoru and Maua stadiums, and a new revenue-sharing agreement for Meru National Park. 

He also reported improved security in the Nyambene region following the establishment of a new AP training camp and intensified security operations that have curbed cattle rustling.

Healthcare formed one of the largest parts of the address, with the Governor outlining wide-reaching reforms aimed at reviving stalled facilities and ending years of shortages. 

He said the county has set aside Ksh 111 million for Community Health Promoters, reinstated abandoned maternity units and operating theatres in several facilities including Nthambiro, Mutuati, Muthara and Theerra, and distributed more than Ksh 200 million worth of medical supplies. 

The county has expanded cancer screening, installed a new CT scan, improved radiology services and is in the process of rolling out telemedicine. 

Mutuma said the new Level 6 upgrade is expected to significantly improve patient care and reduce referrals outside the county.

On infrastructure, the Governor reported steady progress in opening and rehabilitating rural roads. 

Over the past year, he said, the county has opened 455 km of new access roads, graded 507 km, gravelled 309 km, and built new bridges, culverts and gabions across all wards. 

Plans are underway to expand street lighting and install more high-mast floodlights to boost security and support nightlife businesses.

Mutuma also placed strong emphasis on young people and social empowerment. 

He confirmed the launch of the Governor’s Cup Tournament, which will run from October to February, and said sports equipment worth millions has been distributed at ward level. 

The Meru Youth Service, he noted, is being restructured to offer more training and daily stipends. Women and vulnerable groups have been allocated special funds, including the Ksh 24 million Rukisha Revolving Fund for women, financial support for people living with disabilities, and the construction of a Ksh 20 million safe house for gender-based violence survivors. 

The county has also completed a new rehabilitation centre in Kiirua/Naari to address rising cases of drug addiction and mental health challenges.

Agriculture, the county’s economic backbone, also featured prominently in the Governor’s speech. More than 285,000 farmers have been digitally registered, while the county continues to distribute avocado seedlings, certified maize and other seeds to boost production. 

Mutuma said cooperatives have received Ksh 20 million to strengthen value chains, with additional investments in fisheries, livestock vaccination and miraa development. 

He pointed to the newly drafted Miraa Promotion Bill and seed capital for miraa SACCOs as key interventions aimed at stabilising the sector.

On water and climate resilience, the Governor announced the drilling of several new boreholes producing nearly 480,000 litres daily, rehabilitation of others, installation of 135 km of new pipelines, and distribution of 9,000 water tanks. 

The county is also implementing more than Ksh 1 billion worth of climate resilience projects through the FLLoCA programme.

Despite financial constraints, Mutuma reported progress in early childhood education and vocational training. 

The county funded capitation for over 4,000 trainees in VTCs, constructed new ECDE classrooms, distributed learning materials, and maintained the ECDE feeding programme. A new ECDE Scheme of Service has also been rolled out, benefiting more than 1,600 teachers.

The Governor closed his address with a call for unity and shared responsibility, saying Meru is entering a new chapter defined by development rather than political battles. “When youth rise, Meru rises,” he said. “And when we build together, nobody is left behind.”