Meru Sewer Upgrade Project

Meru town is set for a major overhaul of its sanitation system as the government moves to replace ageing sewer infrastructure with a modern network aimed at supporting the municipality’s rapid growth.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the Meru Sewerage Project will expand sanitation services to about 193,000 residents, marking a significant step in improving public health and urban planning in the area.

In a statement shared on X, Omollo said the intervention is designed to address long-standing challenges linked to outdated infrastructure that has struggled to keep pace with population growth.

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“Sanitation lies at the heart of sustainable urban development and for the rapidly expanding Meru Town, the need to replace aging sewer infrastructure has become both urgent and unavoidable,” he said.

The project, being implemented by the Tana Water Works Development Agency, will see the construction of more than 50 kilometres of trunk sewer lines across key parts of the municipality.

It will also include the development of a modern wastewater treatment plant in Rwanyange with a capacity of 11,800 cubic metres per day.

According to the PS, the expanded sewer network will serve several estates including Makutano, Milimani, Kinoru, Mwandantu, Gitimbine, Kaaga, Gikumene and Kirunga.

He said the improvements are expected to ease pressure on the existing system while enhancing environmental management and supporting structured urban growth.

The upgrade comes at a time when Meru town has been experiencing rapid expansion, leading to increased demand for essential services such as sanitation, water and waste management.

Experts have in the past raised concerns over the strain on existing sewer systems, warning that inadequate infrastructure could pose health risks if not addressed.

Omollo noted that upon completion of the new project, the current Gakoromone Wastewater Treatment Plant will be decommissioned after exceeding its design lifespan.

He said the transition to a modern facility is expected to improve efficiency in wastewater management while reducing environmental risks associated with outdated systems.

The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is also involved in the project, supporting coordination at the local level to ensure smooth implementation.

"The government is working to align different stakeholders to avoid delays and ensure the project delivers its intended benefits," PS Omollo confirmed.

While the project promises improved sanitation coverage, its success will depend on effective execution and sustained maintenance once completed.

Residents in the targeted areas are expected to benefit from improved hygiene standards and reduced exposure to sanitation-related diseases.

The development also signals a broader push by the government to upgrade infrastructure in growing urban centres, as towns like Meru continue to expand beyond the capacity of existing public utilities.

If completed as planned, the Meru Sewerage Project could help set the pace for similar interventions in other municipalities facing pressure from rapid urbanisation.