Mwea town is on the verge of a major transformation into a regional commercial hub, fuelled by improved infrastructure, proper drainage networks and an upcoming elevation to municipality status.

The elevation process is currently in its final stages at the Kirinyaga County Assembly. Once passed, Mwea will become the second municipality in Kirinyaga County, joining Kerugoya.

Speaking on the ongoing developments, Tebere Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Karinga stated that current infrastructural projects, including newly paved roads and modern drainage systems, were part of a broader facelift designed to prepare the busy agricultural town for municipal status.

Aerial view of Mwea Town, Kirinyaga County.

According to Karinga, the status upgrade will significantly improve living conditions and position Mwea as a key regional business hub.

“We started plans to elevate this town to a municipality. It is a government initiative that will greatly assist this growing town, which has historically faced serious challenges from water shortages and waste disposal issues to poor town planning. Attaining municipality status is a key step toward upgrading basic infrastructure,” said Karinga.

He assured residents that the process is nearly complete, highlighting that municipal status will attract crucial funding, such as the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP).

Karinga added that these funds will further drive development, improve street lighting, and boost real estate values.

The MCA also commended local residents for supporting the proposal during public participation exercises.

Local business owners and residents have already begun reaping the benefits of the ongoing infrastructural upgrades.

Judy Wambui, a business owner in Mwea, praised both the national and county governments for addressing long-standing road and drainage problems while also ensuring a reliable water supply.

“The government has constructed roads for us and greatly improved the drainage system, which has brought major benefits to our operations,” Wambui remarked.

Wambui noted that property values in the area have surged, with residential apartments seeing higher occupancy rates driven by the arrival of investors and expanded commercial activities.

She expressed optimism that municipal status would accelerate growth across all sectors, particularly the town’s famous rice industry.

Joseph Kinyua, a local resident, echoed these sentiments, noting that improved access roads have enhanced business visibility and mobility, especially for small-scale traders.

“The government has done great work here. Small-scale traders can now reach the market quickly and return within a short time. The new drainage system will also ensure cleanliness and keep runoff water away from households, reducing health risks,” Kinyua said.

With municipal status within reach, residents and traders in Mwea remain optimistic that the impending change will mark a new era of economic growth, clean sanitation, and urban development.

By Mutai Kipng’etich