Meru County, led by Governor Kawira Mwangaza, plays a vital role in delivering essential services to its citizens through the County Executive Committee (CEC). These county ministers (CECs) are responsible for various portfolios, ranging from finance and education to agriculture and infrastructure development.
The Meru County government consists of 10 ministries, although only a few of the positions have been filled so far, with the rest expected to be appointed or announced soon. Here is the current list of Meru County Government ministers (CECs), along with their roles and responsibilities.
Meru County Government Ministers (CECs) 2024
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development | – |
| Public Service, Legal Affairs, and Administration | Dickson Munene Nkanata |
| Education, Science, Culture, and ICT | Joseph Thuranira |
| Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Development | – |
| Health Services | – |
| Water, Irrigation, and Climate | – |
| Finance and Economic Planning | Monica Kaithiori Kathono |
| Agriculture, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services | – |
| Trade, Cooperatives, and Tourism | – |
| Roads, Transport, and Energy | – |
About the Meru CEC Structure
The County Executive Committee (CEC) is a crucial arm of county governance. Each CEC member is responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies in their respective sectors, ensuring service delivery, and working towards the county’s economic growth and development goals. Meru County’s sectors such as health, agriculture, and finance are vital pillars in driving the county’s socio-economic progress.
As of 2024, several CEC positions are yet to be filled. Governor Kawira Mwangaza is expected to appoint more CEC members to ensure that all ministries are operational.
County Ministers (CECs) Salaries in Kenya
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regulates the compensation of public servants, including County Executive Committee members. CECs across all counties, including Meru, earn the following monthly salary package:
| Salary Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 242,550 |
| House Allowance | 45,000 |
| Market Adjustment | 81,700 |
| Total Per Month | 404,250 |
This compensation ensures that CEC members are adequately rewarded for their responsibilities, including policy formulation, public service delivery, and budget management.
Key Portfolios to Watch in Meru County
- Finance and Economic Planning: Under the leadership of Monica Kaithiori Kathono, this ministry is pivotal in managing the county’s budget and revenue. It also oversees the county’s development agenda and ensures prudent financial management.
- Public Service and Administration: Headed by Dickson Munene Nkanata, this ministry ensures the smooth functioning of the county’s workforce and coordinates service delivery across different units.
- Education, Science, and ICT: With Joseph Thuranira at the helm, this ministry focuses on enhancing education and integrating technology into public services, which aligns with Kenya’s digital transformation goals.
Meru County’s Development Agenda
Meru County’s focus on key sectors such as agriculture, trade, water, and health reflects its commitment to improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable development. However, the current unfilled CEC positions may impact the efficiency of service delivery. With appointments expected soon, the county government is poised to accelerate development projects and strengthen governance.
The Meru County Government’s CEC team plays a crucial role in service delivery and development. While several ministries remain vacant, the current appointees are tasked with driving progress in critical sectors such as finance and public service. Once fully staffed, the CECs will work towards ensuring that Meru residents benefit from better infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
As Governor Kawira Mwangaza continues to finalize appointments, residents and stakeholders will be looking forward to a more efficient and accountable government that delivers on its promises.
