Kenya could be heading toward a major change in its urban landscape, with a Meru County municipality now undergoing a process that could determine whether it joins the country’s cities.
A newly appointed committee has been given a year to assess its eligibility for the coveted status.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 184 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, as read with section 8 sub-sections (2) and (3) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act and upon approval by the Meru County Executive Committee…” the notice read in part.
Experts Appointed to Assess City Status Bid
According to Gazette Notice No. 16734 dated October 19, 2026, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia appointed a seven-member ad hoc committee to determine whether Meru Municipality meets the requirements for classification as a city.
The committee comprises Robert Mithika of the Kenya Institute of Surveyors, Joseph M. Nchani of the Kenya Institute of Planners, Jacob Ntongai of the Architectural Association of Kenya and Betty Kiyuki of the Law Society of Kenya.
Other members are Eric Mutwiri of the Association of Urban Areas and Cities, Norah Mutai representing the Chamber of Commerce and CPA Franco Mutua of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Committee Given One Year to Make Recommendations
The team is tasked with assessing Meru Municipality against the legal criteria required for city classification and determining whether it qualifies for the status.
After completing the assessment, members are expected to advise the county government and recommend whether to confer city status on the municipality.
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“…to be members of an ad hoc Committee to consider, assess and determine that Meru Municipality meets the requisite qualifications as per criteria set out in the Urban Areas and Cities Act, for classification as a city, advise and make recommendations for the conferment of City Status to Meru Municipality, for a period of One (1) year.”
From the notice, the one-year appointment provides the committee with a defined period to undertake the assessment.
Key Requirements Meru Must Meet to Qualify for City Status
To qualify for city status, Meru Municipality must meet the requirements set out in Kenya’s Urban Areas and Cities Act.
These include a population of at least 250,000 residents, according to the final gazetted results of the latest population census, and an integrated urban development plan.
The law states that a municipality seeking city status must have a population of at least 250,000 residents and an integrated urban area or city development plan.
“Has a population of at least two hundred and fifty thousand residents according to the final gazetted results of the last population census… and has an integrated urban area or city development plan,” captures the Urban Areas and Cities Act in part.
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Revenue generation and financial management are also key considerations. Meru must demonstrate the capacity to raise sufficient revenue, manage public funds responsibly and provide essential services to residents. Effective governance, transparency, and public participation are also important the meet legal requirements.
Infrastructure will be another major consideration, including roads, street lighting, markets, fire stations, waste disposal systems and disaster management facilities. Reliable water supply, sewerage and drainage systems would also support the municipality’s ability to serve a growing urban population.
Meru’s economic activities, including agriculture-related businesses, trade, education, healthcare and transport, could support its urban growth. However, the municipality must demonstrate that its infrastructure and public services meet the legal criteria for city classification.
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