By Alex Njeru
The ongoing construction of the KSh200 million modern chambers and office building for the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly is progressing well at the Kathwana Municipality.
Initially estimated at KSh360 million, the project was scaled down after intervention from President William Ruto and Governor Muthomi Njuki, who argued that the building was too large for the 25 ward legislators.
Speaking during a site inspection, Assembly Speaker John Mbabu expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction, noting that the project was moving forward as expected.
He emphasized the importance of completing the new facility within the set period to provide a conducive working environment for the assembly members and the staff.
“We came here to check on the construction progress of the Assembly chambers, and we are impressed with the work,” said Speaker Mbabu, who was accompanied by the Clerk to the County Assembly, Mr. Paul Thirika, and Deputy Clerk Mr Eric Nthumbi.
The idea to build a modern and state-of-the-art assembly chamber was first conceived during the tenure of Mbabu’s leadership in the first assembly.
However, the project was delayed due to allegations of procurement irregularities, which have since been resolved. Construction formally resumed in 2022 after President Ruto’s visit to Tharaka Nithi, where the project became a key part of his agenda.
President Ruto promised to support in financing the project, a promise which Speaker Mbabu reminded Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki during a recent county leaders visit to his official Karen residence.
Following consultations with Governor Njuki, the County Assembly went ahead with the tendering process, selecting a contractor to complete the project. The work, which is expected to take about two years, is scheduled to be finished by 2027.
Mr Thirika, expressed confidence that the project would meet its deadlines as long as funding remains on track. “The contractor is ready to deliver as stipulated in the contract if the funding is done smoothly,” Thirika said.
The construction is being overseen by the Chamber Contract Implementation Committee, headed by Mr. Nthumbi, and comprising eight professionals from both the County Assembly and the County Executive.
The eight-member committee is responsible for ensuring that the project adheres to timelines and meets the required standards and quality.
Once complete, the new chambers will house the County Assembly’s administrative offices and provide a modern working environment for its members.
The relocation of these offices from the defunct municipal council buildings in Chuka to Kathwana is expected to not only improve the efficiency of the Assembly but also boost the development of Kathwana town.
The transformation of Kathwana from a dusty market center to a vibrant town is a significant milestone in the region’s growth, spurred by devolution and Governor Njuki’s leadership.
The town is located along Ena-Ishiara-Kathwana-Mitunguu-Meru town highway which joins Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties from the lower side.
Kathwana has already seen major improvements, including the tarmacking of roads, the construction of a modern open-air market, a social hall, as well as the construction of the Governor’s office and residences for both the Governor and the Deputy Governor.
As the construction of the Assembly chambers continues, local residents are optimistic that the development will further catalyze growth and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
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