DP Kindiki defends state record in Meru ahead of opposition's tour

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki inspects construction works at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital

in Meru town on March 2, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERA

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday inspected key multi-billion-shilling projects in Meru county, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fast-tracking development in the region ahead of the opposition’s visit.

Kindiki visited Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital that is being elevated from a level 5 to a level 6 facility, a move that save on cost and inconvenience of travelling to Nairobi or seeking specialised treatment in private facilities.

“We are going to get the best medical personnel and equipment to ensure locals access high quality health services,” he said.

The upgrade includes construction of additional infrastructure and installation of advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan machines, dialysis units for a renal centre and facilities for a fully fledged cancer centre.

The DP said procurement of equipment, recruitment of specialists and expansion of physical infrastructure are being undertaken concurrently to fast-track the transformation.

“All those things, procurement of equipment, construction and human resource alignment are happening at the same time,” he said.

Meru hospital currently serves patients from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, parts of Embu, Laikipia and even Marsabit counties.

According to the DP, by February next year, the upgrade will be complete, enabling it to operate at the same level as Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital.

The hospital upgrade follows a pledge made by President William Rutoduring his development tours of the Mt Kenya region last yearto strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Meru as part of a broader push to decentralise specialised medical services.

An aerial view of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital that is being upgraded to a level 6 facility /ALICE WAITHERA

Beyond healthcare, Kindiki highlighted a raft of other ongoing projects.

The government has released Sh1 billion for construction of an ultra-modern fresh produce market at Gakoromone in Meru town, aimed at boosting trade and improving working conditions for traders.

Other flagship projects include Sh3.7 billion to upgrade 17km long Meru town link roads that are set to be rolled out, and the recently completed Sh900 million, 10,000-seat Kinoru Stadium, which is expected to nurture sports talent and stimulate local business.

Across the county’s nine constituencies, road projects worth Sh39 billion are underway, bringing the total cost of road projects in the county to Sh42.7 billion.

In addition, 17 fresh produce markets are being constructed at a cost of Sh2 billion, while 26,000 new households, businesses and public amenities are being connected to electricity under a Sh2.3 billion programme.

The DP held a public sensitisation forum at Gakoromone Mamrket to brief residents on the progress of the projects and reaffirm the government’s development agenda.

The meeting was attended by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, MPs Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central) and Dorothy Muthoni (nominated).

Kindiki also addressed political undercurrents in the region ahead of a planned three-day tour of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties by the Democracy for Citizens Party led by former DP Rigathi Gachagua.

“I hear some people plan to visit soon. When you do, come with respect, don’t come with contempt. We have no issue with anybody as long as they come with respect, come say your things and leave because we don’t like chaos,” Kindiki said.

He insisted that last year’s Mbeere North by-election demonstrated that the region remains firmly aligned with the government.

“You went to Mbeere North, a place you never visited as deputy president. You went chest thumping and we came and put you to shame,” he said.

With healthcare, infrastructure, markets and electrification projects simultaneously underway, Kindiki said the focus remains on delivering tangible development outcomes for Meru residents rather than engaging in political contests.