MERU COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ( CECM)

DR. DENIS MURIUNGI MUGAMBI

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Meru County

Dr. Denis Muriungi Mugambi is the Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, appointed in April 2025 to lead innovative healthcare transformations.

Dr. Dennis Mugambi is a registered pharmacist with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya, he holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Systems Management at Kenya Methodist University to enhance his expertise in healthcare leadership and innovation. His academic foundation is further strengthened by a Senior Management Course from the Kenya School of Government and a Certificate in Immunization Theory and Practice from the University of Nairobi/University of Kansas.

With over 12 years of experience in pharmaceutical services and healthcare leadership, Dr. Mugambi has held senior roles, including Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Services at Kibirichia Sub-County Hospital and Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) for the Upper Eastern Branch (2017-2025). His leadership secured employment for 67+ doctors and co-authored the 2017 Doctors-County Government Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 47 Kenyan counties, showcasing his expertise in healthcare policy and stakeholder collaboration.

As CECM, Dr. Mugambi prioritizes digitizing health services to enhance efficiency and access across Meru County’s healthcare system. He is driving the adoption of a robust Health Management Information System (HMIS) to streamline data management, improve real-time analytics, and integrate telemedicine for better patient care, particularly for cancer detection and management. Additionally, he is spearheading the county’s fight against cancer, aligning resources to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment initiatives to reduce the cancer burden. These efforts support H.E. Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s vision for universal health coverage and improved quality of life.

As member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) and KMPDU, Dr. Mugambi combines strategic vision with a commitment to leveraging technology and targeted interventions to transform Meru County’s health landscape.

HON. JENARO GUANTAI GITHINJI

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

Hon.Jenaro Guantai Ithinji is the current Meru County CECM for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He holds a M.Ed from Egerton University and a B.Ed (Hons) from Kenyatta Uversity.

Jenario has 16years of experience ,extensive exposure and training in management administration ,corporate leadership ,professional guidance and mentoring in public and private organizations.He has held various positions including Administrative Manager at Kenya Pipeline Company Limited(Parastatal)from 2008-2012 ,Chairman of Mitunguu Technical Training Institute (MTTI) , Administrative officer at Egerton University and has also worked as a Consultant and head of management and training division at Averc and also was appointed as the Director of Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) .

During his tenure Jenario has overseen projects in the county like Certified Seeds, Soil testing, Sexed Semen, Agricultural Shows, Youths in Agriculture and Urban Farming.

Jenario has undergone various training programs including Corporate Governance, Management Practice, Risk Management and E-Agriculture.

HON.REV CAROLINE KABERIA

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives.

Rev. Caroline Karea Kaberia is the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives. She hails from Tigania West constituency.

Hon. Rev. Caroline Kaberia holds a master’s in theology from the Methodist Theological University based in Seoul, South Korea, a postgraduate diploma in leadership and ministerial formation from Cambridge University and a bachelor's degree in theology from Kenya Methodist University. She is also currently undertaking a PhD in religious studies at the Kenya Methodist University.

Rev. Caroline Kaberia has 26 years of professional experience. Prior to her appointment as CECM she has served as a circuit minister and superintendent minister at the Methodist Church of Kenya and also as a trainer and resource mobiliser with the Christian Health Association of Kenya.She has also worked as a part time Lecturer at the Kenya Methodist University. In addition she has also served as the BOM chairperson at Nkanga mixed day secondary school and Thinyaine mixed day secondary school as an additional contribution to her community. Rev. Caroline is also currently a pastor at the Methodist Church of Kenya.

As the CECM for Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives she aspires to revive the tourism sector in Meru County and make it a prime tourist destination both locally and internationally. Rev.Caroline Kaberia is also committed to digitizing the tourism and trade sector in the county, enhancing the operation of Meru cooperatives and providing proper amenities to stimulate local trade such as market sheds and clean markets. With her education and experience she is well equipped to serve as the CECM for trade, tourism and Cooperatives.

4. ADVOCATE BAPTISTA MURIKI KANYARU

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Water, Irrigation, Environment.

Hon. Adv. Baptista Muriki Kanyaru is the current Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural resources and Climate Change. He hails from Igembe Central Sub County.

Hon.Kanyaru Muriki holds a bachelor's degree in Law from Moi University and a post graduate Diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law. He is also currently undertaking his master's degree in strategic management at the Kenya Methodist University.

Prior to his appointment as the CECM Adv. Baptista has worked in various capacities and positions with a professional experience spanning more than a decade.He has served in the County Assembly in various capacities such as the Clerk Assistant, Senior Clerk Assistant and Deputy Director Legal Legislative Procedural and Committee Services.

Adv. Baptista is a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He continues to serve in the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) as board member and in a number of its subsidiaries such as KTDA power, Chai trading, Tea Machinery Engineering Company (TEMEC) as a board member. He is also currently the chairman of Chai logistics Co. Ltd. Additionally; he is the Chairman for Kiegoi and Igembe tea factories.

Adv. Baptista Muriki is a promising leader whose vision is to ensure that there is provision of adequate, clean water for domestic use and irrigation in a sustainable manner and the protection and rehabilitation of water catchment areas in Meru County.

HON.ELIAS MUREGA JULIAS

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Youth Affairs, Sports, Gender and Social Development.

Hon(Rtd)Elias Murega Julius is the current CECM for Youth affairs,Sports,Gender,and Social Development in Meru County.He is a seasoned leader with wealth of experience in governance,leadership and community development.Having a strong academic background he holds Masters degree in project planning and management from the University of Nairobi and currently pursuing PhD in the same field.He also possesses other undergraduate qualifications in law,nursing,commerce,publicaccounting, strategicleadership,monitorinand evaluation,professional mediation ,and data analysis.

With years of experience,in technical,administrative and organizational leadership,Hon Murega has served as a Member and chair of the Finance Subcommittee of County Assembly Service Board(CASB) ,MCA Municipality and Deputy Speaker of Meru County Assembly(2017-2022) Director and Board Member at Kenya National Trading Corporation(KNTC)University lecturer and Personal Assistant to Hon.Abdul Rahim Dawood,MP North Imenti Constituency.

Hon Murega is also an advocate in Youth and Sports development as he`s a certified coach and referee. His commitment led to various leadership roles in Football Kenya Federation(FKF),Kenya Football Referee Association (KFRA)NYC and other Community Based Organisations.He continues to drive impactful development initiatives that promote inclusivity, empowerment and sustainable growth across Meru County

JOY KARWITHA KUGU

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban
Development, Meru County
Joy Karwitha Kiugu serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands,
Physical Planning & Urban Development in Meru County, appointed in April-May 2025 by
Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia. At just 32 years old, she brings a dynamic blend of private
sector leadership and public policy insight, with a strong focus on modernizing land
governance and promoting strategic urban development
She holds a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Jomo Kenyatta
University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), along with a Bachelor of Commerce
(BCom) degree from the University of Nairobi. Prior to her public service role, Joy served as
Managing Director at CyberAce and built a career in sales management, sharpening her
skills in both technology and business administration
As CECM, she is tasked with driving reforms in land administration, urban planning, and
infrastructure development. Her priorities include digitizing land records, enhancing
transparency in titling, enforcing spatial planning controls, and pioneering initiatives that align
with county and national frameworks.
Her appointment brings a fresh perspective to Meru’s land and urban development agenda,
blending tech-savvy strategy, entrepreneurial drive, and youthful leadership to strengthen
service delivery and foster equitable growth.

CPA MONICA KATHONO KAITHIORI

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Finance, Economic Planning and ICT.

CPA Kathono Monica Kaithiori is a seasoned finance professional and a dedicated public servant with a distinguished track record in accounting, economic planning, and public administration. Currently pursuing PHD in Finance She holds a Master of Science degree in Commerce (Finance and Investment) from Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and an active member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in good standing.

CPA Monica has served both the County Government of Meru and the Nation with unwavering dedication before. Prior to her tenure in county leadership, she worked at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as a Chief Revenue Officer, where she played a key role in strengthening revenue collection systems and financial governance.

Within Meru County, she has held key County executive positions, including serving as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning, and ICT (2022-2023), where she led transformative fiscal reforms and digitalization efforts. Most recently, she served as the CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works, where she successfully oversaw major projects related to urban planning, informal settlement upgrading, and protection of public land.

Beyond her professional commitments, Monica is deeply involved in spiritual matters and community development. She is a passionate gospel minister and formerly hosted the popular Sunday gospel program "Ruuji Rwa Mwoyo" in Mwago FM through which she promoted Meru Gospel Ministers among others, she also motivates students to excel through her testimony. She is also an active member of the body of Christ in Meru, where she contributes to organizing and hosting evangelistic crusades and faith-based outreach across the county.

CPA Monica is a visionary enthusiastic leader, a woman of integrity, and a role model who continues to serve with excellence, humility, and a heart for the people.

DAVID BAARIU MWIRABUA

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Roads, Transport and Energy

David Baariu Mwirabua currently serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads, Transport, and Energy in Meru County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kenyatta University and a master’s degree in education management and administration from Egerton University.

Mr. Mwirabua began his professional career in the education sector under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to academic excellence, he rose through the ranks, becoming a Deputy Principal in 2001 and later a Principal in 2004. He subsequently joined Chuka University as a Senior Administrative Assistant and part-time lecturer, further broadening his experience in education management.

In 2013, Mr. Mwirabua joined the inaugural Meru County Government as Chief Officer for Education. During his tenure, Meru County distinguished itself as the first county in Kenya to directly employ teachers. He led several transformative initiatives including the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms and vocational workshops, the establishment of the Retention and Enhancement Fund to support underprivileged students through bursaries, and the distribution of learning materials to ECD centers across the county.

In recognition of his leadership and service, Mr. Mwirabua was appointed in 2021 by the Government of Kenya as a Director at the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC), where he served on a three-year contract. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing support for the establishment of the Nyambene New KCC Factory in Kangeta, Igembe South.

In 2025, he returned to Meru County Government to serve as the CECM for Roads, Transport, and Energy. Within his first 100 days in office, he led the revival of the Horn of Africa Infrastructure Project, oversaw the grading and opening of roads across multiple wards, and facilitated the repair of non-functional floodlights in key market centers.

Mr. Mwirabua is widely respected for his dedication to public service, strategic leadership, and commitment to sustainable infrastructure development in Meru County.

DR. ESTHER KAARIO M’BIRITHO (RUKUNGA)

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) For Education, Science, Culture and Arts.

Dr. Esther Kaario M’Biritho (Rukunga) currently serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Science, Culture, and Arts. She is an accomplished educationist and administrator with a strong academic and professional background in leadership, educational management, and counseling.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Education from Kenyatta University, a Master of Science in Educational Guidance and Counseling, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Education Management, both from Kenya Methodist University.

Dr. Esther has held various leadership roles in the education sector, notably as Principal at Athi Special School and Migwani Special School in Kitui County. Her hands-on experience in managing special needs institutions reflects her commitment to inclusive education and learner-centered leadership.

With a deep passion for service and institutional development, Dr. Esther is recognized for her strategic approach to leadership, drawing from tested administrative, managerial, and leadership models to drive impactful outcomes. She is committed to continuous learning and professional growth, and actively leverages innovative leadership practices to elevate education and cultural development within the county and beyond.

She has also undertaken high-level executive training, including the Senior Management Course and the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, Embu Campus.

Dr. Esther’s career reflects a blend of visionary leadership, practical experience, and a strong dedication to transforming education and cultural systems for sustainable community development.

MARIUS MARANYA

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Legal services, Public service Management and administration

Adv. Domisiano Marius Maranya is the Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Legal services, Public service Management and administration, a seasoned Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a common figure in the court room. He is the Managing Partner at M.D. Maranya & Co. Advocates, with over a decade of experience in legal practice, legislative drafting, and public policy. Maranya was sworn in as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 2014, he has held significant legal roles including being the pioneer Head of the Legal Department at the County Assembly of Meru and Legislative drafter at the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, commonly known as the Nyachae Commission where he was instrumental in drafting key devolution laws and as a Legal Officer, Equity Bank Ltd.

A graduate of Moi University, Law School and the Kenya School of Law, Maranya also holds certifications in Legislative Drafting from Strathmore University and the Kenya School of Government. Known for his sharp legal acumen and tireless work ethic, Maranya excels at navigating complex legal issues. His excellence in constitutional law and Public Law litigation, legal reform, and governance has earned him recognition by the Law society of Kenya as the Mid-Bar Advocate of the Year for 2 Consecutive years i.e 2023 and 2024.

Hon. Marius Maranya previously served as the County Assembly Attorney during the first wave of devolution in Meru, marking his early involvement in public service and legal affairs . He hails from Mweronkanga location, Akithii Ward, Tigania West sub-county in Meru county.

Advocate Marius Maranya was appointed CECM for Public Service, Legal Affairs & Administration in Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s cabinet, following a vetting and approval process by the Meru County Assembly .

His docket encompassed:

1.Legal oversight and counsel on county legislation and contracts

2.Public service management, including HR and administration

3.Ensuring legal compliance within county departments

Current Role: Acting county secretary of Meru County.

Advocate Marius Maranya brings a wealth of legal and administrative experience - from serving as the County Assembly’s lawyer to now holding the pivotal role of County Secretary for Meru County. His vetting process underscored his exceptional qualifications, competence, and unwavering commitment to enhancing governance, coordination, and service delivery under the current leadership.