Embu Moves to Establish Three New Municipalities to Spur Economic Growth

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The towns earmarked for elevation to municipal status are Runyenjes in Runyenjes Constituency, Kiritiri in Mbeere South Constituency and Siakago in Mbeere North Constituency.

The three will supplement the existing Embu Municipality, which serves as the county headquarters in Manyatta Constituency.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands Raymond Kinyua said the process is already underway following the inauguration of ad hoc committees two months ago by Governor Cecily Mbarire.

Kinyua said the committees are tasked with delineating and reviewing boundaries for the proposed municipalities before submitting their recommendations to the county government.

He described the initiative as a major milestone in Embu’s urban development agenda, saying it will lay the foundation for well-planned, sustainable and inclusive urban centres.

According to CECM Kinyua, the elevation of the towns will enhance service delivery while creating opportunities for investment and improving the quality of life for residents.

He said municipalities have greater potential to attract local and international donor funding and grants, while also facilitating improvements in infrastructure, governance and the business environment.

The CECM said the county expects the ad hoc committees to submit their report by December, after which individual municipal charters will be tabled before the County Assembly for debate, review and approval.

He said once the charters are approved and awarded by the Governor, the county will embark on establishing the necessary governance structures for the new municipalities.

Kinyua projected that the three municipalities could be fully operational by April next year, subject to completion of the approval process.

The county is also exploring collaboration with the Kirinyaga County Government to elevate Makutano Town, which straddles the two counties, to municipal status.

Kinyua said Makutano is a strategic transport and commercial hub at the intersection of the Kenol-Marua Dual Carriage and the Embu-Meru Highway, and its elevation would further boost economic growth in both counties.