President William Ruto has announced that his government plans to construct a new State Lodge in Meru Town by December 2025.
He made the revelation while speaking at the AIPCA Church in Meru on Sunday, explaining that the facility would make it easier for him to stay in the town once it officially becomes Kenya’s sixth city.
Ruto stated that both the national and county governments were already coordinating to fast-track Meru’s elevation to city status, making it the next city after Eldoret.
He emphasized that he personally supports the plan and intends to use the city status to justify the establishment of a presidential residence in the region.
“There is no way this place can become a city and I fail to come,” the President said. “I have instructed my team to ensure there is a State Lodge ready for me by December.
I will come here so we can address the issues affecting residents of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, and neighbouring areas.”
To speed up the upgrade, Ruto revealed that his administration has reserved about Ksh20 billion for improving roads in Meru so they meet city standards. In addition, the government has set aside Ksh800 million to modernize Gakoromone Market, the largest market in the county, as part of the urban transformation.
However, the President did not specify exactly where the new State Lodge will be located. This has stirred debate and criticism, especially from environmental advocates who fear it could be built on protected forest land.
On September 18, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) wrote to Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, seeking clarification on media claims that the President had signaled the development of part of the gazetted Imenti Forest.
“The Green Belt Movement writes to you seeking urgent clarification on the alleged plan to excise part of Imenti Forest in Meru County to construct a State Lodge and a golf course,” the letter stated.
They said the move followed reports of a public directive by President Ruto and growing concerns on social media and within communities that depend on the forest for their livelihoods. The lobby demanded a written response within seven days, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
GBM also sought clarity on whether alternative sites had been considered for the State Lodge and if the Ministry of Forestry had initiated or approved any plans to acquire forest land in Imenti.
Last year, the government announced plans to build another State Lodge in Turkwel, West Pokot County, at a projected cost of Ksh230 million.
The budget for the Meru residence has not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to add to the rising costs associated with running the Executive.
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