President William Ruto has unveiled plans to upgrade Maralal town to a small city, a move aimed at accelerating service delivery and boosting economic growth in Northern Kenya.
Speaking on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at a church service at All Saints Pro-Cathedral in Samburu County, the Head of State highlighted key infrastructure projects that will form the foundation for the town’s transformation, including road improvements.
“Additionally, we have secured Ksh 500 million to construct tarmac roads in Maralal, setting the stage for its elevation to a small city. We are planning to enhance infrastructure around the town,” President Ruto said.
Water Supply Improvements by 2026
The President also addressed long-standing water shortages in the region, announcing that by 2026, a water distribution network will be operational to serve residents.
“We have built a large dam at Yamo and established the necessary channels. By next year, God willing, water will be fully distributed in the town, making it a well-equipped city,” he added.
Strategic Urban Elevation
Maralal, a hillside market town east of the Loroghi Plateau, serves as the administrative center of Samburu County. This initiative aligns with previous efforts by the Ruto administration to elevate strategic towns to city status, such as the upgrade of Eldoret to city status on August 15, 2024. Eldoret is now Kenya’s fifth city after Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
Should Maralal officially gain city status, it is expected to open new socio-economic opportunities, attract investors, improve infrastructure, and accelerate economic growth in the region.
“The town has grown from a settlement into a vibrant hub. City-level infrastructure will attract quality investments and unlock Maralal’s full potential,” President Ruto said.
