President William Ruto has announced plans to establish a State Lodge in Meru Town by December 2025.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the AIPCA church in Meru on October 5, Ruto explained that the new residence would accommodate his stays in the town, which is earmarked to become Kenya’s sixth city.

He revealed that both national and county governments are working together to fast-track Meru’s elevation to city status, following Eldoret.

Ruto added that he looks forward to Meru attaining city status, noting that the milestone would pave the way for the construction of the State Lodge in the region.

“And because a city is coming up in Meru, I’m also making my plans. There has to be a State House here in Meru. Really! Did you think there would be a city here and I’d be left behind? Don’t I have to be nearby?

“Haven’t you heard these leaders saying I should come here for three days? Do you expect me to come here for three days and sleep in a hotel? Shouldn’t I look for a house to stay in here?” he said, drawing laughter from the congregation.

“So I’ve told my people that before December, there must be a State Lodge here in Meru — a place where we’ll come and plan everything about this entire region. Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo — the whole area — I’ll be based here to plan your affairs,” he stated.

To accelerate Meru’s transition into a city, President Ruto’s administration has allocated approximately Ksh20 billion for upgrading roads in the region.

An additional Ksh800 million has been earmarked for the renovation of Gakoromone Market, the town’s largest trading center, as part of the city-status preparations.

Despite these allocations, the President did not specify the proposed location for the new State Lodge — an issue that has stirred controversy and environmental concerns. Green activists have voiced opposition amid reports suggesting the project could be built on gazetted forest land.

On September 18, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) wrote to Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, seeking clarification on whether the President had issued an order to develop part of Imenti Forest for the construction of a State Lodge and a golf course.

The organization cited widespread public outcry over the alleged plan and demanded a written response within seven days. It also sought confirmation on whether alternative sites had been considered and if the ministry had initiated any process to acquire the forest land.

Previously, the government had announced plans to build a State Lodge in Turkwel, West Pokot County, at a cost of about Ksh230 million. The estimated cost for the Meru project remains undisclosed, but it is expected to add to the mounting expenses of maintaining the Executive.