Deputy President Kithure Kindiki outlined a government investment programme targeting markets and healthcare facilities in Meru, saying the projects are intended to expand economic opportunities for traders and improve access to specialised medical services across the region.

Speaking in Maua town on Thursday during a tour to inspect ongoing development projects, Kindiki said the government was continuing with the construction of modern markets while upgrading hospitals to create stronger economic and health-service centres.

Kindiki said construction of the Maua Modern Market, which has been awarded at a cost of Sh400 million, is already ongoing.

He said the project is expected to provide traders in Maua with improved and modern trading facilities while supporting commercial activities in the town.

The Deputy President also pointed to the Gakoromone ultra-modern market in Meru Town, which has been allocated Sh1 billion.

The Gakoromone project is part of a wider government programme to provide modern trading spaces and strengthen fresh-produce markets.

Kindiki said the projects are expected to provide better trading environments for small businesses while creating stronger links between farmers, traders and consumers.

The Deputy President said the government’s focus was to ensure that development projects translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly through better markets, roads, and public services.

His remarks come as the government continues to promote modern fresh-produce markets as part of its support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and agricultural value chains.

Kindiki also highlighted the government’s plans to transform Nyambene Level 4 Hospital into a higher-level referral facility.

He said Nyambene Hospital is expected to be elevated from Level 4 to Level 5, with the upgrade intended to expand the range of medical services available to residents.

The proposed elevation would position the facility as an important referral centre for communities beyond Igembe South.

According to Kindiki, the hospital is expected to serve residents from the three Igembe sub-counties, as well as communities in Isiolo and Garbatula, Kina and the lower parts of Tharaka Nithi.

The expansion therefore has the potential to make Nyambene a regional healthcare centre, reducing the distance residents have to travel when seeking specialised medical services.

The Deputy President inspected the ongoing construction at Nyambene Level 4 Hospital during his Maua tour where he said the government plans to invest Sh100 million in expanding the facility and equipping it with modern diagnostic equipment.

Kindiki also revealed the planned elevation of Meru Level 5 Hospital to a Level 6 national referral facility.

The development is expected to strengthen the county’s ability to handle specialised and complex medical cases.

The national government has announced a Sh1 billion investment towards a Level 6 hospital in Meru Town, with the stated objective of reducing the need for residents to travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

by Kamanja Maeria