By Gerald Kibaki
Meru County acting County Secretary Marius Maranya and Roads and Transport CECM David Baariu.
In a bold move aimed at elevating the standards of public service and road safety, drivers working under the Meru County Government today held a landmark engagement session focused on enhancing service delivery, vehicle maintenance, and accountability across departments.
The high-impact forum, held in Meru Town, brought together county drivers, transport officials, and senior administrators in what has been described as a transformative dialogue. The session was marked by practical insights, renewed commitments, and policy announcements expected to significantly improve the county’s transport operations.
Addressing the gathering, Acting County Secretary Advocate Marius Maranya praised the county’s drivers for their dedication, often demonstrated through long hours and tough conditions. He emphasized that discipline, professionalism, and teamwork are the cornerstones of an efficient transport system.
“We must lead by example. Every vehicle you operate represents not just the County Government of Meru, but your own integrity as a public servant,” Maranya said.
County Transport CECM, Mr. David Baariu, hailed the drivers as “the team that keeps Meru County moving,” acknowledging their crucial role in enabling service delivery across sectors. He urged drivers to embrace continuous professional development and adapt to emerging transport technologies.
“We are finalizing plans to introduce a state-of-the-art vehicle tracking system. This will not only promote safety but also bring transparency and efficiency in how we manage our fleet,” Baariu said.
Maranya further warned against the misuse of county vehicles, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized private use, especially during non-official hours and the use of unapproved number plates.
To bolster accountability and efficiency, Maranya announced the rollout of a series of reforms, including: Strict use of work tickets for all trips, introduction of comprehensive vehicle files for each county vehicle, improved record-keeping to monitor usage and performance among others.
Additionally, in a major boost to driver morale, the County Secretary revealed that drivers working beyond normal hours will now receive allowances — a move welcomed as long overdue recognition for their commitment
In open-floor discussions, drivers offered constructive suggestions ranging from preventive maintenance practices to reinforcing speed control measures. Many expressed a strong desire for training programs in defensive driving, road safety, and customer service.
In a show of solidarity, the drivers pledged to uphold high standards of conduct including sobriety, neatness, and respect for their duties and committed to treating every county vehicle as a symbol of pride and professionalism.
The session closed with renewed optimism and a strong sense of purpose. Adv. Maranya concluded by reaffirming the administration of Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s unwavering support for improving driver welfare and operational excellence.
“This is not just a meeting — it is a movement. Together, we are laying the foundation for a transport system that works for everyone in Meru,” he declared.
The forum marks a significant step forward in aligning county transport services with the broader goals of efficiency, accountability, and public trust setting a new benchmark for other counties to follow.
